X-ray imaging is a powerful diagnostic tool. It allows doctors to see inside the body without making an incision. This technology has revolutionized medicine. It gives doctors vital information to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions.
How exactly do X-rays work, and what types are available? How can they help treat medical conditions? Are X-rays safe? Let’s learn more about X-rays.
How Do X-Rays Work?
When you get an X-ray, a small amount of radiation is sent through your body. Different tissues absorb this radiation at different rates.
For example, bones absorb more X-rays and appear white on the X-ray film. Softer tissues, such as muscles and organs, absorb less, showing shades of grey. This contrast allows doctors to detect problems such as fractures, infections or tumors.
Types of X-Ray Imaging
There are many different types of X-ray imaging, each used for a different purpose. Let us explore each type in more depth.
Traditional X-Ray
Traditional X-rays are the most common form of X-ray imaging. The X-rays are sent to the body parts. A photographic film or digital sensor captures the images. These images can reveal fractures, infections, and other problems in bones and organs.
CT Scans
Computed Tomography (CT) scans are an advanced form of X-ray. CT scans create detailed cross-sectional images of the body.
By combining multiple X-ray images taken from different angles, a CT scan can provide more detailed information than a single traditional X-ray. CT scans help physicians diagnose complex conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and internal injuries.
Fluoroscopy
Fluoroscopy uses continuous X-ray beams to create real-time video images. Fluoroscopy guides certain diagnostic and treatment procedures. Examples include inserting catheters, stents or other medical devices inside the body.
Mammography
Mammography is X-ray imaging used to examine breast tissue. It is important for the early detection of breast cancer. Routine mammography helps women get timely – and possibly life-saving – cancer treatment.
Common Conditions Diagnosed with X-Ray Techniques
X-rays are a crucial tool used to diagnose a wide range of conditions. Just a few of these conditions include:
Bone Fractures and Dislocations
One of the most well-known uses of X-rays is diagnosis of bone fractures and joint dislocations. In fact, this is one of the main uses of X-rays at urgent care clinics. By providing a clear view of the bones, X-rays help physicians determine the type and extent of the injury and to rule out other conditions.
Dental Issues
Dentists often use X-rays to look for cavities and to check the health of tooth roots and the jaw bone. X-rays monitor the development and position of teeth in children, too.
Lung Conditions
X-rays are crucial in diagnosing lung conditions, such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, and lung cancer. They provide detailed images of the shape, size, position, and interior of lung tissue. This helps doctors identify and monitor these conditions with greater accuracy.
Joint and Spine Problems
For patients experiencing joint pain or back problems, X-rays reveal issues such as arthritis, degenerative disk disease or spinal deformities. These images help doctors determine the best course of treatment, whether it may be medication, physical therapy, surgery, or something else.
Using X-Ray Imaging in Medical Treatment
In addition to assessment and diagnosis, X-rays are used in a number of medical treatments. Here are just a few examples.
Radiation Therapy for Cancer
X-ray radiation is commonly used to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. This targeted approach minimizes damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Pain Management
Certain conditions, such as arthritis, cause a lot of pain. In these cases, doctors may use a procedure called radiography-guided injections. They use real-time fluoroscopy images to guide pain shots right to the area where they are most needed.
Kidney Stone Removal
X-rays pinpoint the location and size of kidney stones. This information helps determine the most effective method for removal. Examples are using sound waves to break up stones or a tiny scope and camera inserted through the urinary tract.
X-rays don’t just help with diagnosis. They help plan treatment. For example, if you have a broken bone, follow-up X-rays can show how well the bone is healing.
Similarly, for ongoing conditions such as arthritis, regular X-rays track how the disease is progressing. Using X-rays, providers can see how well treatments work.
Is X-Ray Imaging Safe?
A common patient concern is the safety of X-rays due to radiation exposure. Rest assured that the amount of radiation used in most of today’s X-rays is very small.
In general, healthcare providers believe the exposure is safe. Doctors and technicians take great care to minimize your exposure. They recommend X-rays when absolutely necessary. Plus, they provide protective gear, such as lead aprons, to shield vital organs during X-ray exams.
According to the US Food and Drug Administration, healthcare providers should weigh the risks and benefits of X-ray imaging, particularly for at-risk people. At-risk people include women, pregnant women, and young children.
Also, doctors should assist patients in tracking their X-ray history through the years. Knowing how much exposure someone has had can help to lower the risk of developing cancer-related to X-ray radiation.
X-Ray Near Me at Patient Care Now in Fairless Hills, PA
At Patient Care Now in Fairless Hills, PA, we understand how important accurate diagnosis and effective treatments are. Our facility offers walk-in medical care for non-life-threatening health conditions and injuries. We serve adults, children and patients with orthopedic needs. We also assist workers and employers with occupational health services.
Patient Care Now Urgent Care is open 365 days a year, including major holidays. We have four board-certified emergency medicine physicians on staff to provide expert care.
We utilize X-rays as part of our long list of services. Whether you’re dealing with a minor fracture or need a clearer picture of a persistent health issue, our team is here to help.
Simply walk into our Bucks County, PA, clinic. You do not need an appointment.
We are open Monday through Friday, 8 am to 8 pm and Saturdays and Sundays, 8 am to 6 pm. To learn more about Patient Care Now Urgent Care, call us at (267) 202-6433.
