Of the 3.6 billion diagnostic tests run every year, X-rays are some of the most common. Although it is one of the earliest forms of diagnostic imaging, it continues to be the one that doctors rely on most.
X-rays are used for a wide variety of reasons. They can aid in the diagnosis of a condition or injury. They can also enable doctors to determine the progress of your treatment.
If you need diagnostic testing, you may be wondering if an X-ray is in your future. What are some of the ways that X-rays are commonly used?
We're here to talk about how X-rays work, what to expect if you need an X-ray, and how X-rays are commonly used. Read on to find out everything you need to know, including the three most common uses of X-rays.
How Do X-Rays Work?
You may know that X-rays are designed to take images of the inside of your body. Depending on what it's being used to assess, an X-ray may provide images of your bones, joints, or internal organs.
How does an X-ray machine take these images? When turned on, the machine emits a very small amount of radiation. If your doctor needs to examine a small area of the body, like your foot or hand, the machine will emit less radiation. If your doctor needs to examine a larger area of the body, like the rib cage or spine, the machine will emit a bit more radiation.
When used infrequently, this small amount of radiation will not impact your health. If you are pregnant or suspect that you are pregnant, let your doctor know before scheduling an X-ray appointment.
What to Expect When Getting an X-Ray
First, you will need to talk to your doctor about your current symptoms. For example, you may have fallen down during a sporting event and suspect that your ankle is fractured. Maybe you've been having difficulty breathing and want to know if your lungs are healthy.
Then, your doctor will decide whether or not an X-ray is the right diagnostic test for you. If it is, you may be able to get it done that same day or you may have to schedule a follow-up.
When getting an X-ray, you will need to remove all jewelry. Typically, you'll undress the area that is getting X-rayed. If you need a full-body X-ray, you'll be asked to put on a hospital gown.
The best part about getting an X-ray is that it's completely painless! You will sit, stand, or lay as instructed and try to hold as still as possible. The entire procedure will take only a few minutes, and then a radiologist will examine the images taken during the X-ray and procede with your diagnosis.
The 3 Most Common Uses of X-Ray Imaging
If you've never had an X-ray before or suspect you might need one, it can help to know what they're commonly used for. X-rays can serve a wide variety of needs and you'll find X-ray imaging outside of your doctor's office. Oftentimes, dentists use X-ray imaging, too!
To give you a better sense of how X-rays work, let's take a look at the three most common uses of X-ray technology.
Diagnosing Skeletal Injuries
If your doctor believes that you have a bone fracture or breakage, they will typically schedule an X-ray. When radiation passes through the body, it does not pass through solid bone. What that means is that where your bones are intact, you'll see solid grey or white on the images taken.
X-rays are helpful in determining things like the length or direction of your fracture or breakage. X-rays can also reveal things like joint problems, detecting worn-down cartilage and torn ligaments. In some cases, your doctor may schedule an arthogram, which is a specialized form of the X-ray procedure that can detect signs of arthritis.
Mammography
At a certain age, it is highly recommended that women start getting mammograms. Between age 40 and 44, women can opt to get an annual mammogram; after 44, getting at least one mammogram a year is an important part of preventative healthcare.
Mammograms are a form of X-ray imaging that allow doctors to take a closer look at the internal of breasts. Bursts of X-ray radiation pass through one side of the breast and create an image on the other side. These X-rays can help to detect early signs of breast cancer.
Assessing Other Bodily Symptoms
As we mentioned earlier, X-rays make it easy for doctors to assess the health of internal organs. This is useful for diagnosing purposes as well as tracking the progress of specific treatment.
For example, a chest X-ray can help locate the source of chest pain by examining your lungs, heart, and chest wall. This can also help to determine what is causing symptoms like difficulty breathing or chronic coughing. Once the illness or injury is detected, X-rays can be used to ensure that your treatment is working.
X-rays can also catch more serious illnesses such as cancer or heart disease. This is often the first step in the long-term treatment and can be a life-saving measure.
Will an X-Ray Help You Find the Right Treatment?
X-rays are some of the oldest diagnostic testing procedures and continue to prove useful today. Getting an X-ray can clear up many of the questions you may have about new or existing symptoms. If you need a diagnosis of your inner body, it may be time to look up "X-ray near me."
Do you want to know more about the ways that technology can help to improve your healthcare regimen? Take a look at our technology section for the latest news, statistics, and guides to using technology in your day-to-day life.