X-Ray

An x-ray, which is short for x-radiation, is a type of imaging test that has been utilized for years. With this technology, doctors can see your bones, muscle and more without having to make an incision. This helps them diagnose, treat and monitor a number of different medical conditions. Because the test uses a form of electromagnetic radiation, there are some risks involved in the procedure. However, the benefits far outweigh these potential risks.

X-ray images are created using a machine that sends x-ray particles through the body. The x-ray particles themselves are called photons, and they allow a specialized film or computer to capture the images that are created.

When your doctor asks you to get an x-ray, it’s usually for one of the following reasons:

• To examine an area where you’re experiencing discomfort or pain
• To monitor how a disease is progressing, like osteoporosis
• To check up on how a prescribed treatment is working

X-rays are generally performed on a bone, teeth, the abdomen, chest, mouth, neck, skull, pelvis, hands and joints, or you can undergo a full-body x-ray. Although most people think of broken bones or fractures when they think of x-rays, these images are also useful in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis, osteoporosis, infections, cancerous tumors, blocked blood vessels and many more conditions.