Otherwise, a radiologist usually has the official X-ray report ready the next day. The vertebral body and disc space heights are maintained. It takes pictures of the 7 neck (cervical) bones. In some clinics and hospitals, X-ray pictures can be shown right away on a computer screen. The Cervical vertebrae are visualized from C1-C7. You will wait about 5 minutes until the X-rays are processed in case more pictures need to be taken. How long the test takesĪ spinal X-ray usually takes about 15 minutes. You need to lie very still to avoid blurring the pictures. If you have a neck brace (cervical collar) in place, X-ray pictures may be taken and a physical exam done to see whether the brace can be taken off without hurting the spine. This is done to prevent causing more injury. If the X-ray is being taken because of a possibly serious injury to your neck or back, a radiologist will look at the first X-ray pictures before taking others. The recognition of basic anatomy and radiographic lines is important in the proper interpretation of a lateral cervical spine (i.e., c-spine) radiograph. You may be allowed to keep on your underwear if it does not get in the way of the test.ĭuring the X-ray test, you will lie on an X-ray table. You will be given a cloth or paper gown to use during the test. You may need to take off some of your clothes, depending on which area is examined. You will need to remove any jewelry that may be in the way of the X-ray picture. Pediatrics), but a negative cervical x-ray lacks the sensitivity of detecting many cervical spine fractures. Cervical spine x-ray may still be the initial imaging in resource-limited settings and scenarios where radiation exposure is a strong consideration (e.g. The most common spinal X-rays are of the cervical vertebrae (C-spine films) and lumbosacral vertebrae (LS-spine films). Cervical spine CT has supplanted cervical x-rays in the adult population. It takes a detailed view of the 5 fused bones at the bottom of the spine (sacrum) and the 4 small bones of the tailbone (coccyx). It takes pictures of the 5 bones of the lower back (lumbar vertebrae) and a view of the 5 fused bones at the bottom of the spine (sacrum). It takes pictures of the 12 chest (thoracic) bones. It takes pictures of the 7 neck (cervical) bones. It is indicated for suspected fractures of the III-VII cervical vertebrae, developmental anomalies, degenerative-dystrophic and tumor processes. So there are four common types of spinal X-rays: Cervical spine x-ray is a radiography examination of the lower cervical (with the exception of I-II) and upper thoracic vertebrae. Spinal X-rays are also done to check the curve of your spine ( scoliosis) or for spinal defects. Spinal Conditions That May Be Identified on an X-ray Compression fractures Spinal arthritis and bone spurs Spinal tumors Spinal alignment disorders (. These problems may include spinal fractures, infections, dislocations, tumors, bone spurs, or disc disease. They may be taken to find injuries or diseases that affect the discs or joints in your spine.

Cervical spine x ray report