Every time you are recommended to have an X-ray, chances are high that your condition is worsened, and you and your doctor require immediate answers about your injury or disease. An x-ray is an imaging test that helps your doctor analyze your situation and provide you with advanced treatment options for your relief. X-rays use advanced technology to see inside your body in areas your naked eyes can’t reach. Although there are vast options, none match the prowess of the x-ray Chapel Hill procedure as they incorporate customized options and are conducted by professionals.
However, while it’s expected that an x-ray can be recommended when your case is severe, it’s significant that you seek clarity about the procedure. Here are the critical questions to constantly ask your doctor about X-rays.
How does an X-ray work?
X-rays incorporate a machine that uses small volumes of electromagnetic radiation to produce a clear image of the affected body structure. When these high-energy x-rays pass through your body, they take images of your internal organs, tissues, and bones. Additionally, this absorption of rays helps create a white image projected into a film and sent to a connected computer. Although the images are whitish, your physician can clearly see your underlying condition to be able to tailor you with customized treatment options.
What should I expect during my X-ray session?
While preparing for any x-ray exam doesn’t seem daunting, your physician recommends removing any metal object you wear. Often, you will be provided with a lead apron to protect your body from any harmful radiation or be asked to take a liquid substance to help specific body areas during your exam. However, the entire procedure is comfortable and painless as you will have to lay still for a few minutes as your provider takes multiple images of the affected area. Generally, an x-ray exam takes about a maximum of ten minutes to complete, but this can depend on the severity of your situation.
Why would my doctor recommend an X-ray exam?
Though X-rays are mostly known to help doctors diagnose issues with broken bones or fractures, they can also help your physician to discover other health-related abnormalities. While the list of conditions addressed by an x-ray is exhaustive, they can help detect an enlarged heart, cancer, tumors, infections, severe arthritis, blood vessel blockages, digestive issues, tooth decay, and lung problems. Also, your doctor considers factors like family history, age, or weight to have sufficient data to enable them to create a personalized treatment plan.
Are there any complications?
Typically, x-rays are safe, and, in most cases, it’s rare to suffer any complications. However, unborn babies and young children are sensitive to the effects of x-ray radiation. Therefore, consult your doctor beforehand if you’re pregnant or your child needs an x-ray exam. Also, being overexposed to x-ray radiation intensifies your risk of cancer, but this is rare. Usually, you cannot outweigh the benefits of having an x-ray with the risk of not having one.
What happens after an x-ray?
The advanced x-ray machine develops results quickly, enabling your doctor to determine your treatment plan. Furthermore, your physician will discuss the results with you and advise you on improving your situation with treatments and lifestyle improvements.
Because there are specific issues that you or your doctor can’t see directly, an X-ray comes in handy in enabling your provider to comprehend your underlying problem and thus offer individualized treatment options. Regardless of the condition affecting your life quality, this safe and painless procedure will yield incredible results in the long run.
