Changes in density on X-rays indicates a demarcation between tissues of different density. Example would be fat and muscle or gas and soft tissue (as you can see in the front of the neck with trachea darker than the esophagus and neck muscles). I am unclear as to the structures that cause this demarcation in your particular X-ray but you can see similar but smaller darkened structures at the same junctures both above and below. Symmetry is a good indication of no problems.
There is also the impression that this darkened structure “continues” through the spinous bone and facet indicating a Mach line-a line that is misinterpreted as a structural problem when it really is an overlying shadow. Symptom correlation is always important. Although this is most likely not a problem based upon this X-ray, do you have significant pain, fevers or chills or neurological symptoms that could correlate with this darkened area?
Dr. Corenman
PLEASE REMEMBER, THIS FORUM IS MEANT TO PROVIDE GENERAL INFORMATION ON SPINE ANATOMY, CONDITIONS AND TREATMENTS. TO GET AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS, YOU MUST VISIT A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL IN PERSON.
Donald Corenman, MD, DC is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. Trained as both a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Corenman earned academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and his research on spine surgery and rehabilitation has resulted in the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles and two books.
