Book a neck X-ray
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A neck X-ray (cervical spine X-ray) shows the seven vertebrae in your neck. It is used for neck pain, stiffness, arthritis and some injuries.
Also called: Cervical spine X-ray, C-spine X-ray, Neck radiograph, Cervical X-ray
Find a clinic for your neck X-ray
100 clinics offer bulk billing for X-ray — eligibility varies
Where to get a neck X-ray
101 clinics across Melbourne and Victoria on Radly offer X-ray.
Clinics for a neck X-ray on Radly
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What is a neck X-ray?
A neck X-ray shows the bones of the cervical spine, from the base of your skull to the top of your shoulders. It shows alignment, the height of the spaces between vertebrae, and bony changes such as arthritis and bone spurs.
You usually stand or sit. The radiographer takes a front view, a side view, and sometimes a view through your open mouth to see the top two vertebrae. Angled views can show the openings where nerves exit, and bending views show how your neck moves.
Discs, nerves and the spinal cord don't show on X-ray. After significant trauma, a CT is usually preferred, and an MRI is used for suspected nerve or disc problems.
Why your doctor might request a neck X-ray
- Ongoing neck pain or stiffness
- Arthritis or wear and tear in the neck
- Pain or tingling into the arm, as a first look
- Follow-up after neck surgery
- Checking stability with bending views
Neck X-ray: preparation, referral & Medicare
Preparing for your neck X-ray
- No special preparation is needed.
- Remove earrings, necklaces, hair clips and glasses before the X-ray.
- Wear a top without a metal zip or collar studs.
- Tell the radiographer if you are or might be pregnant.
How long it takes: About 10–20 minutes
Referral, Medicare & bulk billing
A neck X-ray needs a referral from a GP, specialist or eligible allied health practitioner to attract a Medicare rebate. Many clinics bulk bill X-rays for eligible patients; the clinic confirms billing. If you have had a serious accident, go to an emergency department rather than booking a routine X-ray.
How it works
Get your referral
Most scans need a referral from your GP, specialist, or other health practitioner.
Compare clinics
Find clinics near you for your neck X-ray and compare bulk billing, reviews, and location.
Send your request
Share your preferred timing and send the clinic your details and referral when available.
Clinic confirms
The clinic reviews your request and confirms your appointment and any preparation needed.
If the clinic hasn’t acknowledged your request after 24 hours, Radly will follow up. We check in by SMS during daytime hours where SMS is available and you haven’t opted out. Reply N if you haven’t been contacted and our team will follow up. Acknowledgment does not mean an appointment is booked.
Neck X-ray FAQs
Will a neck X-ray show a pinched nerve?
It can show narrowing where a nerve exits, but not the nerve itself. An MRI is used to see nerves and discs.
Why do I need to open my mouth for a neck X-ray?
The open-mouth view gives a clear picture of the top two neck vertebrae, which are otherwise hidden behind the jaw and teeth.
Is a neck X-ray the same as a spine X-ray?
It is a type of spine X-ray focused on the cervical spine. Mid and lower back X-rays are separate examinations.
How do I book a neck X-ray online?
Choose a clinic on Radly, select X-Ray as your scan, add your preferred timing and attach your referral, then send your booking request. The clinic contacts you to confirm the appointment and any preparation.
How soon can I get a neck X-ray?
Appointments for X-ray are walk-in or same day at most clinics, depending on the clinic and the exam. You can send a request on Radly at any time, and the clinic replies with its next available time.
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