answersLogoWhite

0

Neck x-ray

Updated: 6/7/2024
User Avatar

Wiki User

βˆ™ 14y ago

Best Answer
Definition

A neck x-ray is an imaging test to look at cervical vertebrae, the seven bones in the neck area.

Alternative Names

X-ray - neck; Cervical spine x-ray; Lateral neck x-ray

How the test is performed

This test is performed in a hospital radiology department or in the health care provider's office by an x-ray technologist. You will lie on the x-ray table. If the x-ray is to determine injury, care will be taken to prevent further injury. The x-ray machine will be positioned over the neck area. You will be asked to hold your breath while the picture is taken, so that the picture will not be blurry. You will be asked to changed positions so that additional scans can be taken. Usually three to seven different views are needed.

How to prepare for the test

Tell the health care provider if you are pregnant. Remove all jewelry.

How the test will feel

This test does not cause discomfort, but the table may be cold.

Why the test is performed

The x-ray is used to evaluate neck injuries and persistent numbness, pain, or weakness. A neck x-ray can also be used to help see if air passages are blocked by swelling in the neck or something stuck in the airway.

What abnormal results mean

The test will detect fractures, dislocations, thinning of the bone (osteoporosis), and deformities in the curvature of the spine. The test may also detect bone spurs, disk problems, and wearing away of the vertebrae.

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

What the risks are

There is low radiation exposure. X-rays are monitored and regulated to provide the minimum amount of radiation exposure needed to produce the image. Most experts feel that the risk is low compared with the benefits. Pregnant women and children are more sensitive to the risks of the x-ray.

Special considerations

Other tests, such as MRI, may be used to look for disk or nerve problems.

References

Stevens JM, Rich PM, Dixon AK. The spine. In: Grainger RC, Allison D, Adam, Dixon AK, eds. Grainger & Allison's Diagnostic Radiology. 5th ed. New York, NY: Churchill Livingstone; 2008:chap 60.

Roosevelt GE. Acute inflammatory upper airway obstruction (croup, epiglottitis, laryngitis, and bacterial tracheitis). In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 382.

Holinger LD. Foreign bodies of the airway. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 384.

User Avatar

Wiki User

βˆ™ 14y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

AnswerBot

βˆ™ 6mo ago

A neck x-ray is a diagnostic imaging test that uses low levels of radiation to create detailed images of the bones and soft tissues in the neck area. It is commonly used to detect fractures, dislocations, Arthritis, or other conditions affecting the neck. The procedure is quick, painless, and typically does not require any special preparation.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

βˆ™ 12y ago
Definition

A neck x-ray is an imaging test to look at cervical vertebrae, the seven bones in the neck area.

Alternative Names

X-ray - neck; Cervical spine x-ray; Lateral neck x-ray

How the test is performed

This test is performed in a hospital radiology department or in the health care provider's office by an x-ray technologist.

You will lie on the x-ray table. If the x-ray is being done to check for injury, care will be taken to prevent further injury.

The x-ray machine will be moved over your neck area. You will be asked to hold your breath while the picture is taken, so that the picture will not be blurry.

You will be asked to change positions so that more scans can be taken. Usually three to seven different views are needed.

How to prepare for the test

Tell the health care provider if you are pregnant. Remove all jewelry.

How the test will feel

This test does not cause discomfort, but the table may be cold.

Why the test is performed

The x-ray is used to evaluate neck injuries and numbness, pain, or weakness that does not go away. A neck x-ray can also be used to help see if air passages are blocked by swelling in the neck or something stuck in the airway.

What abnormal results mean

The test can detect:

  • Bone spurs
  • Deformities in the spine
  • Disk problems
  • Dislocations
  • Fractures
  • Thinning of the bone (osteoporosis)
  • Wearing away of the vertebrae

The test may also be performed for:

What the risks are

There is low radiation exposure. X-rays are monitored and regulated to provide the minimum amount of radiation exposure needed to produce the image. Most experts feel that the risk is low compared with the benefits.

Pregnant women and children are more sensitive to the risks of x-rays.

Special considerations

Other tests, such as MRI, may be used to look for disk or nerve problems.

References

Stevens JM, Rich PM, Dixon AK. The spine. In: Grainger RC, Allison D, Adam, Dixon AK, eds. Grainger & Allison's Diagnostic Radiology. 5th ed. New York, NY: Churchill Livingstone; 2008:chap 60.

Roosevelt GE. Acute inflammatory upper airway obstruction (croup, epiglottitis, laryngitis, and bacterial tracheitis). In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 19th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 337.

Reviewed By

Review Date: 08/15/2011

Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Neck x-ray
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

How do you make a dental xray more darker?

when taking a dental xray how do u make it appear on the xray more darker in color?


What is the cause of the pain while looking up on the back of the neck?

Possible arthritic condition of the cervical vertebrae, in which case a CT scan or an Xray of the upper spine would give some information. Neck pain can be caused by many other things as well; it is best to check with your physician.


What is Shadow over heart in xray?

had a chest xray, there was a shadow over my heart what is it


What is the best online store to buy the XRAY M18T PRO?

You should check out RC XRAY. They are an online dealer who only sells XRAY RC cars and parts through their store. This includes the XRAY M18T PRO.


Is xray allowed in scrabble?

No. Neither X-Ray nor xray are allowed in Scrabble.


What is a peripherally sclerotic centrally hypo dense bone cyst at the left femoral neck region?

This essentially is a cyst inside of the neck of the hip bone. The peripheral sclerotic area is the outside of this "cyst" and has a lot of calcium in it... thus it shows up as a very white area on xray, since it is more dense (because of the calcium). Hypo-dense just means there isn't much calcium in the middle of this bone "cyst" so it shows up on the xray as a dark area (hypo= less).


When was XRAY Model Racing Cars created?

XRAY Model Racing Cars was created in 2000.


Is xray a word?

Yes, XRAY is a company. If you are referring to the electromagnetic radiation, x-ray what you mean.


What is a xray techinician?

An xray technician is commonly referred to as a radtech or radiation technician in a medical setting.


In what year did DENTSPLY International Inc - XRAY - have its IPO?

DENTSPLY International Inc. (XRAY) had its IPO in 1987.


Who makes more money hourly an xray tech or a radiologist?

xray tech...how needs doctors anyway!


Can arteries show up on xray?

If they are calcified, such as an aorta that has plaque build up. Abdominal aortic aneurysms can sometimes be seen on xray in this situation. However, in general, arteries do not show up on xray.