Other tests, such as MRI, may be used to look for disk or nerve problems. A neck x-ray can also be used to help see if air passages are blocked by swelling in the neck or something stuck in the airway. The x-ray is used to evaluate neck injuries and numbness, pain, or weakness that does not go away. Care will be taken to prevent further injury. If the x-rays are done to check for injury, there may be discomfort as your neck is being positioned. When the x-rays are taken, there is no discomfort. Also tell your provider if you have had surgery or have implants around your neck, jaw, or mouth. Tell the provider if you are or think you may be pregnant. Usually 2, or up to 7 different images may be needed. You will be asked to change positions of your neck so that more images can be taken. It may also be done in the health care provider's office by an x-ray technologist. This test is done in a hospital radiology department. I Would Like to Learn About: How the Test is Performed These are the 7 bones of the spine in the neck. Your doctor will discuss any need for a follow-up visit before you leave.X-ray - neck Cervical spine x-ray Lateral neck x-rayĪ neck x-ray is an imaging test to look at cervical vertebrae. This pain relief can last anywhere from a few days up to a few months and in some cases longer, depending on your case. The epidural may not have immediate pain-relieving effects but you will likely feel lessening pain over the next two days. Your doctor will likely tell you to rest for the remainder of the day but you may resume your normal activities the following day. You may feel some difficulty walking or standing up/sitting down immediately after the procedure. You may need to stay in the doctor’s office for a short while (perhaps an hour) until you feel ready to go home. Once the procedure is complete, the epidural needle will be removed and you will likely have a small bandage over the wound. In most cases this procedure takes only a few minutes. You should tell your doctor if you feel any sharp pain. Once the medicine has been administered you may feel some tingling. This should only last a short moment and will most likely dissipate as soon as the injection is complete. You will not feel pain as the needle is placed but you may feel some discomfort as the medicine enters your spine. Once the epidural needle is in place, your doctor will inject the medication. Your doctor will slowly guide the epidural needle into the space in your spine that corresponds to your pain. Once the area is numb, your doctor will use either fluoroscopic imaging - which uses X-rays to guide the epidural – or CT scans, to administer the epidural injection. You will feel a small pinch as the anesthesia is administered. Your doctor will then give you a shot of local anesthesia to numb the area. Your doctor will clean the area with an antiseptic solution and cover it with a surgical drape. In some cases patients receive an IV line but this most-likely will not be necessary. You will likely lie on your side on the exam table for this procedure.
Your doctor will greet you, explain the procedure and answer any questions you may have.
You will be brought into an exam room and asked to change into a gown.
When you arrive for your procedure a nurse will greet you and let the team know you’ve arrived.