Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, laboratory diagnostics, and obligatory medical device diagnostics – for differential diagnostic clarification if there is evidence of a clear cause of the symptomatology
- X-ray of the cervical spine
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; computer-assisted cross-sectional imaging method (using magnetic fields, i.e., without X-rays); particularly well suited for imaging soft tissue injuries) of the cervical spine (cervical spine MRI) [standard examination].
- Computed tomography (CT; sectional imaging procedure (X-ray images from different directions with computer-based evaluation), particularly well suited to the representation of bony injuries) of the cervical spine (cervical spine CT) – on suspicion of disc prolapse (herniated disc), degeneration, narrowing of the plexus (plexus of nerve fibers).
Indications for imaging diagnosis of neck pain:
- Condition after cervical spine trauma (eg rear-end collision) with neurological symptoms.
- Suspicion of disc prolapse (herniated disc) with consideration of specific therapy.
- Complete loss of cervical spine mobility
- Suspicion of neoplastic/inflammatory processes.
- Alcohol abuse
Other indications for diagnostic imaging
- Persistent or progressive complaints over several weeks (about 3-4) or.
- Complaints that do not respond to analgesics (painkillers).
