CT scans are frequently used to evaluate the bony structures of the cervical spine, also known as the upper neck. If
you've injured your neck or have chronic neck pain, your doctor will
probably first order an x-ray. After an x-ray, a CT scan may be needed to
evaluate the bones and soft tissue structures of the cervical spine in more detail. On your doctor's order
for the CT scan you might see:
"r/o disc disease" -
this refers to the discs that act as shock absorbers between the
vertebral bodies of the spine. They can be injured or "flatten" over
time and bulge out and press on nerve roots. The CT scan can detect these narrowings.
"r/o stenosis" - this
refers to narrowing of the spinal canal and openings for the nerve
roots. Bulging discs and other degenerative changes like osteophytes of the spine can
narrow the spinal canal, causing neck pain or weakness. CT scans are very good at looking for osteophytes which are bony outgrowths from the spine.
"r/o fracture" - CT scans can pick up fractures of the cervical spine and look for subtle alignment changes. Alignment changes can be due to injuries to the stabilizing ligaments of the spine or related to long term degenerative disc disease.
(FYI - "r/o" is short for "rule out")
A CT scan of the cervical spine will evaluate:
Bones
A cervical spine CT scan will include the cervical vertebral bodies, lamina,
facets, spinous process and parts of the upper thoracic spine and lower skull. The cervical spine CT scan can detect bone fractures,
tumors, infection and evaluate post-surgical changes. An CT scan can also
determine the extent of degenerative changes (arthritis) and be used
for pre-operative planning for spinal fusion.
Discs
Cervical spine CT scans are can evaluate the discs between your vertebral bodies. A cervical spine CT scan can
detect disc flattening, bulges, herniations, and infection (aka discitis).
Spinal Canal and Neural Foramina
Spinal
nerves arise from spinal cord and leave the spinal canal through holes called the
neural foramina. The canal and these exit points can be blocked and
cause neck, shoulder, arm, hand pain or weakness.
Cerebellum and Brain Stem
Parts
of the lower brain including the cerebellum are seen. Some cerebellar
conditions such as Chiari malformations can present with neck pain. The
brain stem is continuous with the upper cervical spinal cord though
usually not a cause of issues with the cervical spine.
Soft Tissues
This
refers
to the muscles and tissues around your cervical spine. The cervical spine CT scan can detect infections, fluid collections and tumors of these
structures.
Your Cervical Spine CT Scan
A cervical spine CT generally takes about 15 minutes or so to complete. If you've had surgery or have a history of cancer, you may might have to have the test done with IV contrast.
If you're insured, you may need to have your test authorized (approved) by your insurance company first. If you're uninsured use our website to look up CT scan of the cervical spine scan costs, find a certified imaging center and buy your test with a credit card.
Have you had a Cervical Spine CT scan? What was it like? Please leave your comments below.