There is no need to routinely X-ray the neck in patients with neck pain in the absence of trauma. The cervical spine must also be X-rayed in anybody with neck pain following an injury unless they fulfil the following 5 criteria *Īlternatively, the Canadian C-spine rule can be utilised. The cervical spine must be X-rayed in all patients who have suffered a head injury or blunt trauma above the clavicles, and in whom you cannot assess the neck because of, diminished level of consciousness, alcohol etc.
If there is significant past history, e.g.The very young (greenstick fractures may have minimal signs).Request an appointment today to speak with a member of our team.The decision to x-ray a patient will depend on the probability of finding an abnormality based on an assessment of the mechanism of injury, the past medical history and the physical signs detected. The imaging specialists at AHI are committed to helping you uncover the answers behind your symptoms or condition. Additionally, if you’re worried about claustrophobia, you may want to talk with your doctor about taking an anti-anxiety medication before the procedure. The process is not painful at all, but it can be boring for many people so you may want to request to listen to some music or a podcast. That helps focus the magnetic waves to create the images.ĭuring the cervical spine MRI, you have to stay completely still. Then, the imaging technician places a coil-shaped frame over your head and neck area. It’s not required in every situation, but if your doctor requests it, you may have to fast before your appointment.Īt the imaging center, you lie down in the MRI machine. This is a special dye that helps the images to show up more clearly. What Happens During a Cervical Spine MRI?īefore the cervical spine MRI, you may have to drink some contrast liquid or it may be administered through an IV.
At American Health Imaging, we offer extended evening hours and Saturday appointments so your medical care can fit into your schedule with no need for you to take off work. How Long Is a Cervical Spine MRI?Ī cervical spine MRI can last up to an hour. Try our cost calculator to see how much you can save. If you need a cervical spine MRI, AHI can provide it at a fraction of the cost of most hospitals. Abnormal curvature of the cervical spineĭepending on your pain issues, especially if spinal abnormalities are suspected, your doctor may also order a lumbar MRI for your lower back.Typically, doctors recommend cervical spine MRIs when they suspect that you have a certain problem or to diagnose unexplained pain from an accident or injury. There are many issues a cervical spine MRI can help to diagnose. In particular, an MRI shows a cross-section of your tissue, and each cross section is so thin that a single MRI actually creates hundreds of images of your neck. Whereas an X-ray just shows your spine or neck bones, an MRI shows your soft tissues. But what does an MRI of the cervical spine show, and how can the results help you reduce or eliminate your pain? What Is a Cervical Spine MRI?Ī cervical spine MRI is different from an X-ray, although both are imaging techniques. If you’re experiencing neck pain, your doctor may recommend a cervical spine MRI scan. What Does an MRI of the Cervical Spine Show?