If you experience back or neck pain, mobility issues, swelling, or any physical complication, your doctor will want to employ diagnostic imaging to determine a root cause and create an informed treatment plan.
Through advanced diagnostic imaging technology, your doctor can understand internal functions clearly before taking further action to resolve your pain and correct issues.
Last week, we discussed MRIs and CT scans. In this article, we’re taking a look at X-rays.
What is an X-Ray?
An X-ray is one of the most well-known forms of diagnostic imaging and offers an internal look at various issues. X-rays are commonly used to view hard tissue like bones, teeth, and joints. However, clinicians can also use them to study certain complications in soft tissue. Your doctor may order an X-ray to observe:
- Bone damage
- Heart or lung complications
- Joint problems
- Spinal abnormalities
- Tumor developments
If your X-ray exam does not include a contrast agent, you may eat, drink, and take any medications as you normally would before the exam. Those using a contrast agent should avoid eating and drinking at least 4 hours before the exam.
If you are pregnant or may be pregnant, inform your doctor before the exam. Pregnant patients should not undergo an X-ray except in emergency situations.
What to Wear to an X-Ray Procedure
Wear loose, comfortable, metal-free clothing. Your technician will need access to the area of the body being examined, so it’s wise to plan your outfit accordingly. If your doctor has ordered an X-ray of your knee, consider wearing shorts or loose, rollable pants. Gowns are provided if clothing must be removed.
What to Expect from an X-Ray Procedure
X-ray exams are usually fast procedures and take up to 15 minutes in most cases. You can expect to sit at a table or stand, depending on the body part or bodily area to be examined. Your technologist will position you between the X-ray machine and the imaging plate. They may also provide a lead apron to prevent unnecessary X-ray exposure. As you stand or sit as still as possible, your technologist will take the images, repositioning you after each one to capture the area from various angles.
Georgia Neurological Institute’s diagnostic imaging facility in Macon, GA, carries out thorough X-ray exams.
GNI offers faster test results, fewer office visits, assessment consistency, and faster follow-up imaging after an operation. Let our team perform thorough imaging and create a trusted action plan around our findings. Schedule a consultation with us today: 478-743-7092
Related Articles
