A Neck X-Ray — also commonly known as a cervical spine X-Ray or cervical vertebrae X-Ray — is an imaging procedure used to detect broken or fractured bones and capture images of surrounding tissue. The cervical vertebrae is made up of seven neck bones, including the first vertebra of the thoracic spine, that surround and protect the top section of the spinal cord.
X-Rays work by casting a small amount of radiation and electromagnetic energy beams into the area being scanned. Hard matter like bones blocks the beam and appears white on the image, while soft tissue allows the beam to pass through and appears lighter. A break or fracture will show as a dark line where the beam passes through the bone.
A Neck X-Ray is almost always ordered following a consultation with a doctor. If a patient is experiencing any of the following, a cervical vertebrae X-Ray may be recommended: neck, shoulder, upper back, or arm pain; tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arm or hand; fractures or breaks in the cervical vertebrae; or dislocation of the joints between the vertebrae.
Conditions a Neck X-Ray can help diagnose include: fractured or broken bones; arthritis; spondylolisthesis; degeneration of the discs; kyphosis; scoliosis; and congenital abnormalities.
If soft tissue is suspected as the source of the issue, your doctor may instead recommend an MRI, which provides more detailed cross-sectional images of the area.
A Neck X-Ray does not require any special preparation. Before the scan, you will be asked to remove all metal objects, so it is a good idea to do this before your appointment. Metal objects obstruct the imaging and prevent the technician from seeing the bones and soft tissues clearly.
Items to remove include piercings, jewellery, eyeglasses, and watches. If you have any permanently implanted metal in your body — such as a pacemaker or pins and plates from a previous injury — inform your technician before the scan begins. Some make-up and hairspray also contain metal particles and should be avoided before the appointment.
After checking in, you will be taken to the X-Ray room where the technician can answer any questions you have. You will then be given a hospital gown to change into.
The technician will ask you to lie on the X-Ray table beneath the hanging machine and will assist in positioning you to capture the correct areas. A lead blanket may be placed over areas not being imaged to block radiation exposure.
The technician or radiologist will then move to an adjoining room or partitioned area to take the images. It is very important to remain completely still — even the smallest movement can create blurry results. If multiple positions are required, the technician will return to adjust you between shots.
Once imaging is complete, the technician will check that all images are clear before confirming you are free to leave. The scan is non-invasive, so no aftercare is required and you should feel completely normal afterwards. In very rare cases, patients may experience an allergic reaction — if you notice any symptoms such as a rash or hives, notify a doctor immediately.
Results typically take 1 to 2 days. If an urgent condition is detected, results may be prioritised and returned sooner. Once reviewed, your doctor will arrange a follow-up appointment to discuss the findings.
Non-invasive and painless
The procedure causes no discomfort and requires no invasive measures.
Quick results
Results are generally available within a few days, with urgent cases prioritised.
Effective diagnostic tool
Very useful in detecting a range of conditions, and particularly effective for identifying broken bones and fractures.
Cost-effective
Neck X-Rays are relatively affordable compared to CT scans or MRI scans.
Neck X-Rays have very low radiation exposure. People are already exposed to small amounts of radiation in everyday life — the amount emitted during a Neck X-Ray is equivalent to what an average person would naturally be exposed to over a 10-day period. Radiologists are highly trained medical professionals who ensure your safety throughout the procedure.
The actual X-Ray process only takes a couple of minutes per position. However, you should allow 30 to 45 minutes for your appointment to include time to speak with the technician and change into the hospital gown.
An X-Ray does not directly show nerves, so a damaged nerve will not appear on the image. However, the positioning of bones shown on the X-Ray may indicate whether a nerve is likely to be pinched or damaged. To officially diagnose a pinched nerve, a further test such as an MRI will be required.
A standard X-Ray is not able to show a herniated disc directly. However, it will show the outline of your spine, which can help your doctor rule out other causes of pain such as a break or fracture.
Images are generated immediately after the scan, but a radiologist or doctor will need time to review and analyse them. Depending on the urgency of the condition, results may take a few days or be available sooner. Once ready, your doctor's office will contact you to arrange a follow-up appointment to discuss the findings.