However, there are some things that must be kept in mind before going in for the imaging: X-rays are standard procedures and do not require the patient to prepare beforehand. How do you need to prepare for the X-ray? While the process is relatively short, it may take a longer time for the X-ray to come out if the patient has been injected with a dye to make the imaging come out more precise and detailed. In general, the patient is required to hold their breath and remain still while the image is being taken in order to ensure it's not blurry otherwise, the procedure may have to be repeated. In the case of trauma, the patient is supine rather than erect. The peg view looks at the upper part of the spine. In the odontoid view, the view is taken from the front with the patient's mouth open. In the lateral position, the view is taken from the side. In the AP position, the patient is required to stand up, and the view is taken from the front. In general, there are three main views that are taken, and the doctor may order an additional one when he deems it necessary. The doctors may also order other tests, like a bone scan or an ultrasound, to help the diagnosis.Īfter you have prepared appropriately, the X-ray technician at the lab helps you settle in and directs them according to the requirements of the X-ray. The imaging helps the doctors in drawing up appropriate treatment plans. They help the doctor in identifying abnormalities along the cervical spine in terms of form. X-rays are quick and painless procedures. The X-ray may also be carried out after surgery to check if everything has healed properly. It can also help in detecting infections, tumors or other abnormalities. The X-ray detects fractures in the cervical vertebra and also identifies dislocation in the joints between the vertebrae. Chronic cases tend to have other symptoms as well, such as upper limb weakness, tingling or numbness. Neck pain may occur after some kind of trauma, like an accident, or it may be chronic. The X-ray will help the doctor identify the reason behind pain in the neck. The doctor might examine the neck, observing its positioning, whether it tilts too much one way or not, or if the patient experiences difficulty in moving it back or forth. X-ray imaging is used with any identifiable clinical symptoms to diagnose the disease and chart treatment plans for the future.įurthermore, a physical exam may be taken. He or she also requires information about when the issue started, such as pain in the back, for how long it was prevalent and any other incidents that may have occurred which led to the problem. It is carried out to determine why a patient may have pain in their neck.īefore sending the patient for the X-ray, the doctor needs details of the patient's medical history. This imaging test is ordered by the doctor to identify any issues with the cervical spine.

Cpt code for x ray cervical spine