Cervical spine scans 101
It’s been reported that 15% of people in the United States have had neck pain lasting at least one day over the last three months. Most people ignore their neck pain and hope that it will go away. But sometimes the pain in your neck isn’t simply a muscle cramp; it could be an injury to your cervical spine.
Damage to your cervical spine can happen because of a fall, motor vehicle accident, or a contact sport. It’s essential to assess the extent of any potential injuries to avoid future complications.
The most common way to evaluate an injury to the cervical spine, aside from a physical exam, is through spinal imaging. These internal images can pinpoint injuries in the spine that may not be visible to the naked eye. Different types of imaging scans are used depending on the severity of the damage and/or the suspected diagnosis.
What is the cervical spine?
The cervical spine is comprised of 7 different vertebrae that support the head, known as C1 - C7.
Fluid-filled disks separate the vertebrae, protecting the spine. Through holes in the vertebrae (known as foramina), nerves, blood vessels, and ligaments are able to run throughout the body and into the brain. The health of the cervical spine is important to the mobility of the whole body.
Why do I need a cervical spine scan?
Doctors often perform a physical exam for neck pain to gauge mobility, swelling, and any abnormalities that you can see externally. However, some injuries cannot be assessed by a physical exam alone, and a spinal imaging scan is needed to diagnose the problem accurately.
Common causes of cervical spine pain
Cervical spine pain can be difficult to differentiate from neck muscle pain. Symptoms of an issue in the cervical spine include:
- Limb weakness
- Tingling
- Immobility
- Dizziness
- Headaches
These symptoms can occur after an acute injury such as whiplash. Other cervical spine pain may occur as we age.
Common cervical spine pain diagnoses
A few injuries commonly seen in the cervical spine cause neck pain. Common diagnoses include:
- Pinched nerves
- Herniated discs
- Cervical stenosis
- Spinal fusion
- Bone spurs
Medical imaging scans for cervical spine pain
To find out more about the structures inside of the neck, doctors may order a cervical spine exam. Different types of imaging scans can produce pictures of the cervical spine. Your doctor may request a specific scan depending on your symptoms and the results of your physical exam.
Cervical spine MRI scans
Cervical spine CT scans
Your doctor may request a CT scan for the cervical spine if you are experiencing unexplained pain. A CT scan, also known as a computerized tomography scan, is a compilation of X-ray images that creates a detailed view of the affected area. These scans can diagnose:
- Fractures
- Tumors
- Internal bleeding or swelling
- Spinal stenosis
- Herniated discs
A CT scan is quicker and less disruptive than an MRI scan, but it uses X-ray technology and exposes you to mild levels of radiation.
How much does a cervical spine scan cost?
There is a large variation in cost for diagnostic imaging scans that assess the cervical spine. Depending on the level of detail required in the scan, the price for cervical spine scans can be higher than other parts of the body.
- MRI scans can range from $500 to $12,000.
- CT scans can cost between $1,000 and $7,600.
- X-ray scans can run from about $260 to $1,000.
These are only standard pricing ranges. The cost of your medical imaging will depend on several factors, including your location and your health insurance coverage.
How long does a cervical spine scan take?
The time it takes for a scan depends on the type of scan being performed. On average, a cervical spine imaging scan will take anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes.
The time it takes for a scan depends on the type of scan being performed. On average, a cervical spine imaging scan will take anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes.
If you are looking for a cervical spine scan, explore scan.com’s scan search tool. Finding a cervical spine scan near you from our list of trusted imaging centers is quick and easy.
- https://www.aans.org/en/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Cervical-Spine
- https://www.spine-health.com/conditions/neck-pain/all-about-neck-pain
- https://www.healthline.com/health/cervical-spine-ct-scan
- https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=ug6626
