SAVE 20% on your first doctor’s order order. Use code MM20 at cart
A Cervical Spine CT Scan looks at the bones and soft tissues in your neck using many X-ray pictures and a computer. People also call it a C-spine CT, CT cervical spine, or neck CT. If your doctor ordered this study, you can book at participating imaging centers on LabFinder.
This study, sometimes called a CT neck or CT cervical spine without or with contrast, makes detailed cross-section images of the vertebrae, discs, joints, and nearby spaces. It helps find injuries, broken bones, bone spurs, narrowing of the canal, and other structural changes in the neck.
Common reasons: sudden neck pain after a fall or accident, concern for a fracture, pain with numbness or tingling down an arm, long-lasting neck pain that is not improving, suspected spinal stenosis or severe arthritis, or a plan to check hardware after neck surgery. Your clinician will decide if a C-spine CT is the right next step.
You will check in, change if needed, and remove metal from the head and neck area. You will lie on the CT table with a small cushion to help you stay still. The table moves through a large ring while the scanner takes images. You will hear gentle whirring and may be asked to hold still for a few seconds at a time. Most visits take about 30 to 45 minutes at the center.
This exam is usually safe for most people. It does not use radiation unless noted for this test. Tell the team about any implants, devices, or possible pregnancy so they can confirm safety. If contrast is recommended, the staff will review allergy history and kidney checks as needed. If contrast is used, you might feel a brief warm sensation during the injection.
Clothing and metal: wear comfy clothes and remove earrings, necklaces, hair pins, and glasses. Food and drink: if contrast is planned, you may be asked not to eat for a few hours; otherwise, eat and drink as usual. Health check: tell the team about pregnancy, kidney problems, or past reactions to contrast. Bring paperwork: bring your photo ID, insurance card, doctor’s order, and any prior neck images or reports. Always follow the exact instructions from your doctor or the center.
Neck fracture after trauma, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, severe arthritis, slipped or bulging discs, spine infection, and tumors in the neck region. Results are read in context. Your doctor will review the images along with your history and symptoms before suggesting next steps.
With LabFinder, you can compare locations, see time slots, and book online at participating imaging centers. It is easy to search for a convenient location in your area or by city or ZIP. Coverage varies by plan and provider, so check your benefits and any prep when you schedule.
Book on LabFinder: find a lab today on our lab finder and request a test doctor guided.
The information on this page and throughout the LabFinder website and mobile app is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For personalized medical advice or specific health concerns, please consult your healthcare provider directly.
A CT scan of the cervical spine is usually completed within 40 minutes. This includes 20 minutes for preparation and 20 minutes for the scan.
Yes. CT scan is an imaging test, which involves a small amount of radiation to show images of the organs, tissues, and bones of the neck.
The risk for radiation exposure is low in a single CT scan. However, the effects of radiation and the risk of developing cancer due to radiation will increase with every CT Scan a person gets. Developing babies are sensitive to radiation and are at more risk, so women should inform their doctors and the CT Scan technicians if they are pregnant. People who have implants containing metal, such as implanted screws or pacemakers, may not get accurate CT scan results. Some people might also have an allergic reaction to the contrast dye used in a CT scan.
Booking a Cervical Spine CT Scan (Neck) is easy using LabFinder. Just choose your location and enter your insurance information to find the closest Cervical Spine CT Scan (Neck) near you.
To make a same-day appointment for a Cervical Spine CT Scan (Neck), just choose your location and your insurance information to find the closest Cervical Spine CT Scan (Neck) location near you. If there's availability for a same-day appointment at a nearby lab location, then you will be able to book it easily through LabFinder.
LabFinder allows you to easily schedule a Cervical Spine CT Scan (Neck). You can search by location and insurance to easily book a Cervical Spine CT Scan (Neck) near you.
LabFinder allows you to easily make an appointment for a Cervical Spine CT Scan (Neck) online. To make an appointment for a Cervical Spine CT Scan (Neck) online, just choose your location and your insurance information to find the closest Cervical Spine CT Scan (Neck) near you.
Yes, you can get a Cervical Spine CT Scan (Neck) without insurance. LabFinder allows you to search and select "Self-Pay" when booking a Cervical Spine CT Scan (Neck). While pricing for the test may not be immediately available, please check by calling the lab company directly for pricing.
