Glossary On Diagnosis and Tests

How would you know its Cervical Spondylitis?

The history of your complaints and the examination findings often provide most of the details necessary to diagnose cervical spondylitis. However, some tests may be required to confirm the diagnosis as well as to assess the extent of damage that has already occurred. It can also be used to track the progress of the condition over a period of time.

Here are some of the tests that can be done to confirm the diagnosis:

• X-ray of the cervical spine (neck) – detects the development of spurs (bony outgrowths) on the vertebrae
• CT (Computerized Tomography) scan
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) spine – determines the extent of neural damage, if any
• EMG – Electromyogram – to detect abnormal muscle electrical activity in case of nerve affection
• X-ray or CT scan after dye is injected into the spinal column (myelogram)

In majority of the cases, the history, examination findings and X-ray usually suffice for diagnosing cervical spondylitis.