Neck x-ray

Definition

A neck x-ray is an imaging test to look at the cervical vertebrae. These are the 7 bones of the spine in the neck.

Alternative Names

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

How the Test is Performed

This test is done in a hospital radiology department. It may also be done in your health care provider's office by an x-ray technologist.

You will lie on the x-ray table.

You will be asked to change positions of your neck so that more images can be taken. Usually 2, or up to 7 different images may be needed.

How to Prepare for the Test

Tell your provider if you are or think you may be pregnant. Also tell your provider if you have had surgery or have implants around your neck, jaw, or mouth.

Remove all jewelry.

How the Test will Feel

When the x-rays are taken, there is no discomfort. If the x-rays are done to check for injury, there may be discomfort as your neck is being positioned. Care will be taken to prevent further injury.

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.

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

What Abnormal Results Mean

A neck x-ray can detect:

  • Breathing in a foreign object
  • Broken bone (fracture)
  • Disk problems (disks are the cushion-like tissue that separate the vertebrae)
  • Extra bone growths (bone spurs) on the neck bones (for example, due to osteoarthritis)
  • Infection that causes swelling of the vocal cords (croup)
  • Inflammation of the tissue that covers the windpipe (epiglottitis)
  • Problem with the curve of the upper spine, such as kyphosis
  • Spine joint that is out of position (dislocation)
  • Thinning of the bone (osteoporosis)
  • Wearing away of the neck vertebrae or cartilage
  • Abnormal development in the spine of a child

Risks

There is low radiation exposure. X-rays are monitored so that the lowest amount of radiation is used to produce the image.

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

References

Newton K, Claudius I. Neck trauma. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 36.

Sidell DR, Messner AH. Evaluation and management of the pediatric airway. In: Lesperance MM, eds. Cummings Pediatric Otolaryngology. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 27.

Van Thielen T, van den Hauwe L, Van Goethem JW, Parizel PM. Current status of imaging of the spine and anatomical features. In: Adam A, Dixon AK, Gillard JH, Schaefer-Prokop CM, eds. Grainger & Allison's Diagnostic Radiology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier: 2021:chap 47.

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Review Date: 8/12/2023
Reviewed By: C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, San Francisco, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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