X-Ray Cervical Spine 6V
A cervical spine X-ray is a set of x-rays taken of the bony structures at the back of the neck called the cervical spine. This procedure is safe and pain-free and is an essential trauma radiograph for many spinal issues and conditions. The cervical spine is the top-most part of the vertebral column, which lies between the skull and the spine's thoracic section. It consists of seven vertebrae; the first and second vertebrae are known as the atlas and axis, respectively. The cervical spine has holes in the transverse foramina, which act as passages for the vertebral artery, vein and sympathetic nerves. These holes also help distinguish it from the other sections of the spine.
A cervical spine X-ray can identify symptoms such as neck, shoulder, upper back or arm pain and tingling or numbness in the arm or neck. It can also locate fractures in the cervical spine or dislocated joints between the vertebrae. Cervical spine X-rays are usually done when a patient has been in a car or other traumatic accident and has an injury to the neck, head or back. It is also done before surgery of the cervical spine to plan for it and assess results. The cervical spine radiograph can also help diagnose infections, tumors or other abnormalities in the neck bone.
The doctor may order x-rays of the spine, neck or back to diagnose the cause of symptoms such as
This procedure doesn't require special preparation. They may ask you to remove your clothes and don a hospital gown because buttons, zippers and clasps might interfere with the x-ray imaging. You must also remove eyeglasses, hearing aids or jewelry and other metal objects. If you have a suspected neck injury, the technician will place a collar or brace around the neck preventing further injury to the neck. Radiation is far more harmful to developing babies, so if you are pregnant be sure to tell your doctor and the X-ray technician.
Generally, an X-ray procedure of the cervical spine follows this process:
- The X-ray technician will position you on a flat X-Ray table in a way that carefully places the cervical section of the spine between the X-Ray machine and the image detector.
- You may have to switch your positions if your doctor has requested X-Ray views to be taken from a different position. There are three different views of the cervical spine that are most commonly taken:
- Body parts that are not being X-rayed may be covered with a lead apron (shield) to avoid radiation exposure.
- Suppose the X-ray is being performed to confirm and further look into an injury. In that case, to prevent pain and further injury, the X-Ray technician may give you a neck brace to wear if a cervical spine fracture is being confirmed.
- Since some processes may require many different positions, it is imperative to remain still during the procedure. Movement may cause a blurry mage and you may have to get the X-ray done again.
- The technician may ask you to inhale and hold your breath during the procedure for a better X-ray image.
- While the X-ray procedure is painless, the cervical spine movement can cause discomfort especially in a recent injury or surgery. The X-ray technologist will use all measures and complete the procedure as quickly as possible to reduce discomfort.
In case of an emergency, the results of a cervical spine X-ray can be available immediately. Otherwise, the results will usually be given in a day or two. The X-rays will be interpreted by a radiologist, who will then send a report to your primary physician. Then, he/she will discuss it with you and explain their findings. The doctor may accordingly prescribe further tests and decide on a treatment plan.
Related X-Rays:
Cervical Spine 4V, Cervical Spine AP Lateral, Entire Spine X-Ray
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