Position the patient supine with neck extended, so the neck area is one plane.
Pillows placed under the shoulders are useful.
Immobilize the head with sandbags or headsponges and masking tape. The distance between the neck and collimator should equal 6.7 centimeters to cover entire neck region. Obtain images for 10-15 minutes. It may be necessary for the physican to palpate the patient's neck at this time.