X-Rays

X-Rays Q & A

What are X-rays?

X-rays are imaging scans that Chiefland Health Center uses to see inside the structures of your body. 

One of the oldest medical imaging methods in the world, X-rays work using a special machine that beams safe amounts of ionising radiation through your body. As the ionising radiation moves through your body, another device captures it and produces an X-ray image. 

X-ray images show body structures with different shades. The shades vary based on the density of those structures through which they pass. 

What do X-rays show?

X-rays can help your medical team gain important knowledge of the state of any number of body parts, including, most notably, the chest, abdomen, and bones. 

Chest X-rays

By studying a chest X-ray, the practice can gather evidence of things like breast cancer, blocked blood vessels, lung infections, lung cancer, and an enlarged heart.

Abdomen X-rays

Using abdomen X-rays, your team can identify issues in the digestive tract, as well as foreign objects in the stomach, which is an issue more common among children.

Bone X-rays

Finally, bone X-rays can help your team find and evaluate all kinds of skeletal issues, such as osteoporosis, scoliosis and other spine alignment diagnoses, dental decay, bone cancer, bone infections, bone fractures, and arthritis.

Do X-rays hurt?

No, X-rays don’t hurt. However, during an X-ray session, you may become uncomfortable, as you must hold your breath and stay very still while the technician takes the picture. Also, to get the right images, your technician may ask you to hold your body in an uncomfortable position. 

Are X-rays safe?

Not only are they generally painless, but X-rays are also safe for both adults and children. The amount of radiation involved during an X-ray is negligible. While any amount of radiation technically increases your cancer risk, experts urge you not to worry about such low exposure levels. 

However, if you’re pregnant or may be pregnant, check with your team before you get your X-ray. They may opt for a radiation-free option, like an ultrasound.

Do you need an X-ray? If so, book your appointment with Chiefland Health Center today. To get started, contact the practice online or over the phone.