X-rays can be a quick way of determining what is happening inside your body. They are also one of the most important diagnostic tools we have at our disposal. X-rays can help determine a number of conditions one is experiencing. This article will review five common reasons our doctors may request an X-ray.
A bone fracture is a break in the bone. One may be familiar with it as a broken bone, but this term only refers to the most severe types of fractures. A milder form of this injury is called a hairline or greenstick fracture, which are both types of incomplete breaks that do not go through all layers of the bone. The only way to be certain if one has an incomplete fracture, is to undergo an X-ray.
A bone fracture can occur anywhere in the body. There are several signs to look for, including pain at the site of injury that worsens or does not dissipate after rest, swelling around the injured area (possible infection), and excess bleeding from the wound site.
Scoliosis is a sideways curve of the spine. It can be congenital (most common) or a result of trauma. Most discover this condition during youth, during a physical examination. The examination involves a series of tests the patient must undergo, and if there is a suspicion of scoliosis, the doctor will order an X-ray to determine the severity of the curve.
The X-ray will help determine the types of treatment the doctor recommends. Treatments can include a brace, a device one will wear the majority of the day to tighten their spine, or surgery for severe cases.
Our team can also perform cancer screenings and detect bone infections using X-rays. If one is experiencing unexplained pain, discomfort, or a lump in the body, we will order an X-ray and possibly other diagnostic tests, such as a CAT scan or an MRI, to determine its cause.
Tumors that form in or around the bones are usually detected by X-ray technology before they are symptomatic. This means individuals predisposed to cancer (not just bone cancer) or tumors should have regular screenings to catch any abnormalities before they become life-threatening. The same is true for bone infections. Detecting possible bone infections is also a common reason for an X-ray. The main types of bone infections include osteomyelitis (infection of soft tissue) and osteoradionecrosis (radiation-induced necrosis).
If one is experiencing shortness of breath, pain in their chest or back when they breathe deeply (pleurisy), or is coughing up blood, we will perform a physical examination and order diagnostic tests, including X-rays, to look into their lungs. These symptoms can result from different health issues like cancer, infection, or other diseases.
Our doctors will inform the patient if they can make a formal diagnosis. However, some cases will require the care of a specialist. If necessary, we will recommend a specific specialist’s care so that we may work with them to review the patient’s findings and provide support for their care.
Dysphagia is difficulty swallowing. It can be a result of acid reflux, stroke, or cancer. If one is experiencing any of these symptoms: coughing or choking while eating, gagging on food, vomiting after eating, or the feeling of food being stuck in the throat or chest, it is important to seek care right away.
Coughing and choking are signs of something wrong with the airways (the tubes that allow air into the lungs). Sometimes this happens because the muscles are not working properly or the patient, usually a child, ate something not meant for consumption. An X-ray can help rule out the ladder.
We ask that patients do not wear jewelry, eyeglasses, hats, or any other objects that might block the viewing area we are to examine. If so, we will ask them to remove these objects during this appointment. In addition, some types of clothing interfere with the X-ray image, so we may need to provide a hospital gown during the procedure.
An X-ray technician will position the patient on a table or against a wall, depending on what area is being examined, and the patient will need to remain still and breathe normally while the pictures are taken. Once this process is complete, the doctor will review the findings with the patient to determine the next steps.
X-rays are a great starting point for learning about what is happening in your body to help develop an effective care plan. X-rays can help reveal the cause of more conditions than mentioned above. If you or a loved one require an X-ray, contact us today.
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