Cervical spine x-rays help doctors make diagnoses about the health of your neck and spine. These images are taken in your doctor’s office, and each location will have its guidelines about what to do before and after the x-ray to get the best results possible.

Here’s how to read a cervical spine x-ray normal vs. abnormal, so you know what to expect when you see these images yourself at your next appointment with your doctor.

What is a cervical spine x-ray?

A cervical spine x-ray, also known as computed tomography (CT) scan, is an imaging test that evaluates your neck’s anatomy and nerves.

A spinal cord injury or nerve damage can cause pain and loss of mobility in your arms or legs, but it can also be detected with imaging tests like these, even if you have no symptoms.

How is a cervical spine x-ray performed?

The cervical spine x-ray is performed by taking an image of your neck using an x-ray machine while lying down on your back with your head hanging backward off an elevated platform. The entire x-ray procedure takes only 5–10 minutes and can be done at most medical facilities, including Chughtai Lab Lahore.

When would you need a cervical spine x-ray?

A cervical spine X-ray is needed when you have back and neck pain with no obvious cause or origin. One of your doctor’s first steps is to determine whether or not any injuries or degenerative diseases, such as arthritis, have occurred in your neck and spine region.

Is a spine x-ray performed for differsent sections of the spine?

An x-ray of your cervical spine is not performed on every visit and can be done in one of three sections: (1) the top two vertebrae, (2) the middle five vertebrae, or (3) the entire cervical spine. The decision as to which section(s) are included in an x-ray is based on various factors such as the patient's history, Lower Back Pain, current symptoms, physical examination findings, and test results.

What problems will a spinal X-ray reveal?

An X-ray will reveal any signs of infection or inflammation, tumors, fractures, and other abnormalities in your spine. If any irregularities present on your cervical spine x-ray, you will be referred for further testing, such as MRI or CT scan, before treatment.

Test results explained

Booking online lab tests in Pakistan is simple, easy, and convenient. Lab test results are usually the same available day, although some lab reports can take up to 24 hours longer than others, depending on whether they are specialty lab tests. When you book your lab tests at Chughtai Lab Test Centres.

You can expect friendly customer service and very helpful laboratory staff to explain everything you need to know about your test results before sending them off to you via email or courier services within Pakistan.