What does the lateral and oblique views of cervical spine indicate?
Patient: Six views of the cervical spine were obtained to include bilateral oblique views. On the lateral view, the cervical lordosis is straight. There is mild degenerative disc and degenerative joint disease at C4-5, C5-6 and C6-7 levels, being most significant at C5-6 level. No compression fracture or spondylolisthesis. The prevertebral soft tissue thickness is within normal range. The odontoid is unremarkable. On the oblique views, there is no       significant bony foraminal encroachment. This is the test result of my husband. I want to know what is this? Doctor: Dear patient Your husband has got loss of cervical lordosis  means straightening  of cervical spine  which  is due to muscle spasm. Normal cervical spine is curved anteriorly. If muscle spasm occurs it becomes straight. Also he has got disc degeneration which means reduction  of disc space and formation of osteophytes. This is most significant  at  c5c6 level. Disc degeneration  leads to compression of spinal cord and tingling and numbness in both upper limbs. Anterior  soft tissue to cervical spine is normal. There is no fracture or displacement  of vertebra. This  all findings indicates  cervical spondylitis. You need to be investigated  further with mri of cervical spine with screening of whole spine. You need to consult expert orthopaedic surgeon with report. All the best.