X - Ray Cervical Spine Flexion & Extension Views

Also known as Cervical Spine X-Ray – Flexion & Extension Views, Cervical Spine Mobility Views – X-Ray, Dynamic X-Ray Cervical Spine – Flexion & Extension

This test is for

Male, Female

Earliest reports in

24-48 hours

Test Preparation

You may have to remove your jewelry and any metal objects which might interfere with the image.
Pregnant women should inform their doctor (and x-ray technician) as the radiation may affect the fetus. If needed, precautions can be taken to lower the radiation exposure to the fetus.
Informed consent is required.

Understanding X - Ray Cervical Spine Flexion & Extension Views

What is X - Ray Cervical Spine Flexion & Extension Views?

The X - Ray Cervical Spine Flexion & Extension Views test to visualize the first seven vertebral bones (C1 - C7) of the spinal column (backbone) which are located in the neck region. It is also helpful in visualizing their intervertebral discs and the surrounding soft tissues like skin and muscles.Flexion/extension x-ray views detect subtle ligamentous injuries that are not apparent on routine static views. These specific x-rays are done in order to avoid missing an unstable injury in the cervical spine.

This test is prescribed by the doctor to find the cause of the neck pain or upper back pain that lasts for a long time, look for any injury or fracture of the spinal bones and diagnose any suspected tumors or infections of the spine.

What is X - Ray Cervical Spine Flexion & Extension Views used for?

To find the cause of the neck pain or upper back pain that lasts for a long time
To look for any injury or fracture of the spinal bones (vertebrae)
To diagnose any suspected tumors (abnormal growth), arthritis, osteoporosis (thinning of the bones) or infections of the spine
To detect any suspected disc problems like spondylolisthesis (dislocation or slipping of one vertebra over the other), degeneration of the disc or herniated disc
To look for any abnormalities in the curvature of the spine like lordosis (excessive inward curve of spine), kyphosis (excessive outward curve of spine also known as hunch back), scoliosis (side to side abnormal curvature) or birth defects

Frequently Asked Questions about X - Ray Cervical Spine Flexion & Extension Views

Q. What are the drawbacks of a bone X-ray?

X-ray images give a very clear view of the bones. However, it does not provide a good visual image of the soft tissues like tendons, muscles or fat tissue under the skin. Even the bone microfractures or complicated spine injuries are not clearly visible on the X Ray images. Apart from this, it also exposes the patient to some amount of radiations but the benefit of the information gained from an X-ray image outweighs the risk of radiations.

Q. Who interprets the X-ray results?

The interpretation of an X-Ray image is carried out by a radiologist who analyses or reads the X-ray image and prepares a report of the findings which is shared with the patient.