Neck X-Ray
Alternate Names : Cervical Spine X-Ray, C-Spine X-Ray, Cervical Spine Series
What do the test results mean?
A specialized doctor called a radiologist will examine the films. The radiologist will forward a verbal and/or written report to the person's personal healthcare provider. The healthcare providers will use the results to establish the next course of action or treatment plan.
Abnormal findings of a neck x-ray include:
degenerative arthritis changes
traumatic or pathologic fracture
spondylosis, a degeneration of the disks and vertebrae
spondylolisthesis, a forward slipping of one vertebrae on the one below
metastatic tumor invasion, or cancer caused by abnormal cells traveling from another part of the body
Any fracture identified on a cervical spine x-ray will require further evaluation with a CT scan and/or an MRI scan. Neck pain associated with arm and hand numbness often indicates a vertebral disk problem. These symptoms are first evaluated with a cervical spine series followed by an MRI scan.
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