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Diagnostic X-Ray

 

Overview

 

Why do doctors take x-rays?

 

Risks assocaited with x-rays

 

How you prepare

 

before the procedure

 

How are x-rays taken?

 

After x-rays

 

Results

  • Overview

An X-ray creates images of the inside components of your body, most notably your bones.

X-ray beams flow through your body, and depending on the density of the material they pass through, they are absorbed in different amounts. On X-rays, bones and metal appear white, air (like in your lungs) will appear black, and soft tissue (fat, muscle) will show up in gray.

In 1895, Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen, a German mechanical engineer and physicist,

[1]

Historiek

Online History Magazine

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invented x-rays. In 1901, Röntgen earned a Nobel Prize in Physics.

[2]

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Academic textbook

Backed by various research articles

Written for professionals

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Since then, x-rays have saved many lives and are invaluable tools used to detect abnormalities and make early diagnosis of disease or injury.

How Do X-rays Work?

  • Why do doctors take x-rays?

Many regions of the body are examined using X-rays. From bones and teeth to fractures and tumors, x-rays help in diagnosis of a multitude of pathologies.

[3]

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Written for professionals

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Collage of X-Rays

Diagnostic X-rays

X-rays are commonly used to assess:

  • Certain types of cancers

  • Spinal tumor

    [4]

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    National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB)

    Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health

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  • Bone cancer

  • Arthritis in hip

    [5]

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    California medicine

    Peer-reviewed journal

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  • Hip problems

  • Arthritis

    [5]

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    California medicine

    Peer-reviewed journal

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  • Gout

    [6]

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    theBMJ

    Peer-reviewed journal

    Leading journal in the field

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  • Fractures

    [4]

    Trusted Source

    National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB)

    Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health

    Go to source

  • Dislocations

X-rays are great for fractured bones or decaying teeth, but if you have a problem with your soft tissues (liver, kidney, intestines) other imaging procedures are more useful.

[7]

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Britannica

Respected Encyclopedia

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X-ray is not a great option for torn ligaments in your knee or a torn rotator cuff in your shoulder. MRI is more suitable for soft tissue problems like a torn ligament in the ankle. When assessing for herniated discs, MRI is also chosen because it allows the doctor to examine the bones in your spine, the spinal cord and the discs.

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Call for an Appointment

480-585-5577

or Request an Appointment Online

  • Risks assocaited with x-rays

While diagnostic X-ray procedures are generally safe and very effective, there is some exposure to radiation; however, the benefits of early detection and treatment far outweigh the risks.

[8]

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Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

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X-ray imaging, uses ionizing radiation which contains enough energy to potentially cause DNA damage.

Radiation exposure. Can cause a small increase in the possibility of developing cancer later in life.

[8]

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According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the risk of cancer from X-ray radiation is dependent on:

[8]

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  • Dose: The higher the dose and the more X-ray exams a patient receives, the greater their lifetime risk of cancer.

  • Age: Patients who have X-rays at a younger age have a higher lifetime risk of cancer than those who have them at an older age.

  • Sex: After getting the same doses at the same ages, women are at a slightly higher lifetime risk of acquiring radiation-related cancer than men.

  • Area of the body: Some organs are more vulnerable to radiation than others.

Rarely, x-rays can cause:

  • Cataracts, skin burns, hair loss. can happen at very high doses.

    [8]

    Trusted Source

    Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

    Governmental authority

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X-ray imaging isn’t for everyone. Your doctor might caution against x-rays if you:

  • Are pregnant

    [9]

    Trusted Source

    Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

    Governmental authority

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  • How you prepare

Food and medications

  • There are no special precautions on diet or medications.

Clothing and personal items

  • Because jewelry, eyeglasses, and other metal objects can show up on an X-ray, you may be asked to remove them.

  • Before the procedure, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or possibly pregnant

Before the procedure, tell your doctor if you:

  • Are pregnant or possibly pregnant

  • Before you have x-rays taken, your doctor will likely

  • Review your medical history. Be prepared to answer questions in regards your condition, to prior treatment interventions, current medications, current or prior conditions, family history, etc.

  • Do a physical exam. an exam may include: vital signs, range of motion testing, or orthopedic testing.

  • Discuss your expectations. Talk about reasons for seeking treatment, risks, how many treatments you might need, and how long it will take for results.

  • How are x-rays taken?

There is no pain involved during x-rays.  

The physician will position the patient against a panel that holds x-ray film.  The patient is instructed to hold still for a few seconds while the x-ray is taken so that the image does not come out blurry.  

2-5 x-rays are taken at different angles of each area being x-rayed.  

Once all of the x-rays are taken, the physician may ask you to wait a minute until all the images are developed.  

Depending on the number of areas being x-rayed, the exam can take 5-20 minutes.

  • After x-rays

You will be able to return to normal activities immediately after x-rays.  There are not usually any side effects with x-rays but your physician may schedule a time to go over the results.

  • Results

X-rays need to be interpreted.  The doctor spends additional time combing through each aspect of the x-rays looking for a variety of pathologies and assessing your current condition.  A report is typically written into your notes by the doctor or is sent to a specialist for advanced reading.  Since our x-rays are digital, they are easily accessible and can also be sent to other offices upon request.

  • FAQ

Can I get an x-ray without insurance?

  • We take a variety of payment methods including cash, credit and debit cards.

Can I get an x-ray without referral or order?

  • You do not need an order to get an x-ray with us.

In order to back up the information in our articles, Arizona Chiropractic & Holistic Health Center exclusively cites high-quality sources such as peer-reviewed research. We strive to provide accurate, dependable, and trustworthy content based on the best evidence avaliable.

  1. (2020, January 5). Wilhelm Röntgen (1845–1923) – Ontdekker röntgenstraling. https://historiek.net/wilhelm-rontgen-ontdekker-rontgenstraling/550/
  2. Novelize, Robert. Squire’s Fundamentals of Radiology. Harvard University Press. 2018. ISBN 978-0674057951 1
  3. Tafti D, Maani CV. X-ray Production. [Updated 2021 Aug 3]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537046/
  4. National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB). (n.d.). X-rays. Retrieved September 23, 2021, from https://www.nibib.nih.gov/science-education/science-topics/x-rays
  5. Godfrey M. F. (1948). X-RAY DIAGNOSIS AND THERAPY IN ARTHRITIS. California medicine, 69(1), 16–18. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18731484/
  6. Calthrop, L. C. E. (1932). CHRONIC RHEUMATISM. BMJ, 2(3730), 32. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.2.3730.32
  7. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2018, July 4). diagnostic imaging | Definition & Types. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/diagnostic-imaging
  8. Center for Devices and Radiological Health. (2020, September 28). Medical X-ray Imaging. S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/radiation-emitting-products/medical-imaging/medical-x-ray-imaging
  9. Center for Devices and Radiological Health. (2017, December 9). X-Rays, Pregnancy and You. S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/radiation-emitting-products/medical-x-ray-imaging/x-rays-pregnancy-and-you