When we get injured, it’s comforting to know that many methods of diagnosis and treatment are available to us. One of the most common diagnostic methods is the use of an X-ray. If you’ve ever had a broken bone, you’ve likely had an X-ray exam.
At AdventHealth, we care for all of you in body, mind and spirit. Our expert care team understands the importance of X-rays and what they can do for you. We’re here to quell any doubts about X-ray safety and explain the benefits of these scans and how they assist in your healing process.
Read on to learn more about X-rays and why your doctor would recommend them as the right approach to understanding your health needs.
The Nuts and Bolts of an X-Ray
X-rays have been used since the beginning of the 20th century. They work by using invisible electromagnetic energy beams to capture images of internal tissues, bones and organs. Standard X-rays can help us to determine whether a bone is chipped, dislocated or broken. They can also evaluate joint injuries and bone infections. X-rays are a vital tool in accurately diagnosing an injury or ailment.
The great thing about X-rays is their ability to assess a wide variety of health concerns. These include:
- Arthritis
- Breast tumors
- Digestive issues
- Fractures
- Lung problems
- Tooth decay
Understanding the versatility of this machine helps us to understand why doctors often rely on them for a means of diagnosis.
Why Your Doctor Might Recommend an X-Ray
There are many reasons why your doctor might recommend you get an X-ray. We often immediately consider their ability to look at broken or fractured bones, although, there are many other capabilities of these machines. They can look inside the body at tissue and organs, such as the lungs, to monitor your health and even detect and diagnose a tumor. This ability makes them a useful tool for you and your doctor to properly assess your condition and create the right treatment plan for you.
They also are an inexpensive, quick option to get answers about sudden injuries. Your doctor will likely schedule you for an X-ray as a first step for understanding how to treat various injuries and conditions. Reasons your doctor might schedule an X-ray include:
- A foreign object stuck in your body
- Assessment of kidney stones
- Broken or fractured bone
- Detection of scoliosis
- Joint pain
- Spinal pain
- Swelling that won’t go away
No matter the reason for your scan, our care team is here to answer all of your questions to make sure you feel comfortable and confident during your imaging test.
How an X-Ray Is Conducted
The process of an X-ray exam is simple. First, you follow your imaging technologist to the designated imaging room and sit or stand in the required position. Then, the radiologist will place a lead shield over you for added protection. They line up the X-ray to cover the desired part of your body and take several pictures in different positions. Once the X-ray is completed, the results will be sent to your doctor, who will discuss the results and next steps with you.
Is Getting an X-Ray Safe?
It’s important to receive an X-ray exam if ordered by your doctor. However, we know that for many people, the hesitation to get an X-ray exam is radiation exposure. The effect of radiation on your body from an X-ray is smaller than most people think. According to a study done by the National Library of Medicine, we are annually exposed to 3 mSv, and a chest X-ray exposes us to 0.1 mSv, meaning there is minimal risk to receiving an X-ray.
We’ve dedicated ourselves to practicing the safest methods of conducting X-ray exams and continually do all we can to ensure your protection. Receiving an X-ray exam is completely safe for you and your loved ones. You don’t have to worry about the immediate or long-term effects of the exam and can rest assured that you’re safe with us.
Trust Us for Your Imaging Needs
Whether it’s a small break or a diagnosis of scoliosis, our expert care team at AdventHealth is here to get you answers and walk with you every step of the way, providing the care you need. To learn more about X-rays and our other imaging services, visit us here.
