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Tests and diagnosis
By Mayo Clinic staffA variety of imaging tests may help rule out other causes of neck pain.
- X-rays. Neck X-rays can help rule out problems such as spinal fractures, dislocations or arthritis.
- Computerized tomography (CT). This type of test combines X-ray images taken from many different directions to produce more-detailed images of bone and soft tissues.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Using radio waves and a strong magnetic field, MRI scans are particularly good at detecting soft tissue injuries, such as to the spinal cord or nerve roots.
References
- NINDS whiplash information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/whiplash/whiplash.htm. Accessed Oct. 2, 2009.
- Whiplash. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2010. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/163271018-3/896262783/2088/719.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05609-0..00032-0--sc0030_14638. Accessed Oct. 2, 2009.
- Whiplash injuries. Goetz CG. Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/163271018-3/896262783/1488/433.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3618-0..10051-7--s0410_4473. Accessed Oct. 2, 2009.
- Isaac Z, et al. Evaluation of the patient with neck pain and cervical spine disorders. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 2, 2009.
- Neurological diagnostic tests and procedures. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/misc/diagnostic_tests.htm. Accessed Oct. 2, 2009.
- Hudgins TH, et al. Cervical sprain or strain. In: Frontera WR, et al. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/163314371-3/896420369/1678/8.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-4007-1..50007-9--cesec4_70. Accessed Oct. 2, 2009.
- Anderson BC, et al. Treatment of neck pain. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 2, 2009.
- Laskowski EL (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Oct. 6, 2009.
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