Healthopedia.com - Your Health
Encyclopedia

Set Homepage Email Page Favorites      

 
  Home
  Health Centers
  Medical Encyclopedia
  Drugs & Medications
  Diseases & Conditions 
  Medical Symptoms
  Medical Tests & Exams
  Surgery & Procedures 
  Injuries & Wounds
  Diet & Nutrition
  Special Topics
  Pictures & Images      


Google
 
Web Healthopedia.com

You are here : Healthopedia.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Tests and Exams > Neck X-Ray: Results and Values

Neck X-Ray

Alternate Names : Cervical Spine X-Ray, C-Spine X-Ray, Cervical Spine Series

Neck X-Ray | Preparation & Expectations | Results and Values | Pictures and Images | Attribution


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.


    Previous section

     

    Next section

    Neck X-Ray: Preparation & Expectations

     

    Neck X-Ray: Pictures and Images

    Reviewer: Gail Hendrickson, RN, BS
    Date Reviewed: 06/07/01









    Content provided by The Patient Marketing Group, Inc.

    Copyright © 2006 Healthopedia.com All Rights reserved.
    About Us | Help/FAQ | Privacy Policy | Editorial Policy | Advertising Policy | Accessibility | Terms of Use
    Contact Us | Link to Us

    HONcode accreditation seal.

    We comply with the HONcode standard for health trust worthy information: verify here.


    The information provided herein is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. The information should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call your local emergency number for all medical emergencies. Use of this online service is subject to the disclaimer and the terms and conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites.
    Page Last Updated: 30th May, 2006