A neck X-ray, also known as a cervical spine X-ray, is an X-ray image of the structures in your neck. This includes the seven bones of your neck that surround and protect the top section of your spinal cord.
Neck X-rays are common, simple procedures with few risks. Like any procedure that uses radiation, there is a risk of cancer, but the risk is very small for most people.
Tell your doctor if you’ve had X-rays before and if you have any health factors that may increase the possibility of risks from an X-ray, such as pregnancy.
An X-ray is an imaging test that uses a form of radiation to create images on film. An X-ray machine sends out waves of radiation that pass through your body and are absorbed at different rates depending on how dense a part of your body is.
Dense structures like bones appear white on X-rays because very little radiation can pass through them. Soft tissues are less dense, meaning more radiation can pass through them. These structures will appear darker on the X-ray image.
In addition to the bones in your neck, a neck X-ray also shows nearby structures, including your:
- vocal cords
- tonsils
- adenoids
- trachea (windpipe)
- epiglottis (the flap of tissue that covers your windpipe when you swallow)
Healthcare professionals may order a neck X-ray if you have a neck injury or pain, or persistent numbness, pain, or weakness in your arms.
The neck is particularly vulnerable to injury. This is especially true with falls, car accidents, and sports, where the muscles and ligaments of the neck may move outside their typical range.
Neck injury caused by a sudden jerking of the head is commonly called whiplash. If your neck is dislocated or fractured, your spinal cord may also be damaged.
Your doctor may check the X-ray image for the following:
- fractured or broken bones
- thinning of your neck bones due to osteoporosis
- bone tumors or cysts
- cervical spondylosis (chronic wear on the disks and joints of your neck)
- dislocations (joints that are pushed out of their usual positions)
- bone spurs (atypical growths on the bones)
- upper spinal issues
- swelling in or near your trachea
- swelling around the vocal cords
- epiglottitis (inflammation of the epiglottis)
- a foreign object that is lodged in your throat or airway
- enlarged tonsils and adenoids
X-rays don’t usually require any special preparation. Just before the test, you’ll need to remove any clothing or jewelry on your upper body, since metal can interfere with the X-ray equipment.
If you’re experiencing any pain or difficulty moving your neck or other parts of your body, be sure to tell the person performing the X-ray. They can figure out what position you need to be in so they can still get clear images.
Most neck X-rays are done without a contrast agent or dye, which is an oral or injectable substance that helps highlight certain structures within the body. If your doctor decides your neck X-ray should be done with contrast, be sure to tell them if you’ve ever had an adverse reaction to a contrast agent before.
A radiology technologist performs the X-ray. It takes place in a hospital radiology department or your doctor’s office.
The procedure is typically short. Your technologist may have you lie flat on the X-ray table, then move the X-ray machine over your neck area. To keep the images from being blurry, you must
Your technologist may ask you to lie in
Most people can resume their usual activities after an X-ray. The X-rays are uploaded to a computer, read by a radiologist, and then sent to your doctor.
Your doctor will review the X-rays to look for signs of any damage or disease. They will use the results of the X-rays to make diagnostic and treatment decisions, which they will discuss with you.
X-rays are generally very safe and usually have no side effects or complications.
Cancer risk
The amount of radiation used in a single X-ray is very small. However, if you have many X-rays, your risk of complications, such as cancer, from radiation exposure increases.
Tell your doctor if you’ve had multiple X-rays in the past. They can decide what your risk level is. Generally, body parts that aren’t being evaluated may be covered with a lead shield to reduce the risk of X-ray exposure to these areas.
Children are
Pregnant people also need to take precautions. If you’re pregnant and must have a neck X-ray, you’ll be given a lead vest to cover your abdomen to keep radiation from harming your pregnancy.
For most people, the benefits of getting an X-ray
Other side effects
People who receive a contrast agent before their X-ray may experience certain side effects, including:
- a metallic taste in the mouth
- lightheadedness
- nausea
It’s also possible to experience a
Neck X-rays are standard procedures that can identify a wide range of neck issues, including bone problems.
If you have any concerns about the procedure, be sure to discuss them with your doctor. They can answer your questions and tell you more about what to expect with your neck X-ray.