Chronic Neck Pain With Neurologic/radicular Symptoms

Symptom

Chronic neck pain WITH neurologic/radicular symptoms

Considerations

• First test is almost always C spine xray series. If there are neurologic symptoms associated then MRI is best next choice. IV gadolinium is generally NOT needed, unless destructive or suspicious lesion found on xray.
• If MRI contraindicated, then CT myelogram or CT C spine appropriate.

Recommended tests

• C spine xray series
• MRI C spine without gadolinium
• CT cervical spine without IV contrast (post surgical)
• CT cervical myelogram (if MRI contraindicated)
• MRI C spine with gadolinium (suspicious bone lesion)

For other considerations, call or text the radiologist.