X-Rays

When you have an injury or other medical problem that isn't visible from the outside, diagnostic technologies like X-rays can be invaluable. If you need an X-ray, Care Now Medical Group in North Hollywood, California, has convenient, modern facilities on-site that use low-dose radiation to produce clear pictures of your bones and other tissues. If you suspect you need an X-ray, call Care Now Medical Group or request an appointment online today.

What are X-rays?

X-rays are among the most common diagnostic imaging tools. They enable your provider at Care Now Medical Group to see beneath your skin to the underlying tissues.                                                             

X-rays are particularly valuable for creating two-dimensional images of:

• Bones
• Lungs
• Other organs
• Air inside your body
• Metal objects

As the X-ray beams enter your tissues, you absorb them in different quantities according to the material's density. Bone and metal are the densest, so they look white on X-rays. Air in your lungs looks black, while fat and muscle appear in varying shades of gray.

Why might I need an X-ray?

You might need to have an X-ray to confirm a diagnosis following a physical examination or to rule out certain causes of your symptoms. X-rays are also key to assessing injuries like fractures and monitoring how well they're healing following treatment.

There are also specialized procedures like mammograms and fluoroscopy that use X-ray technology. For some forms of X-ray, you might need to swallow or have an injection of a contrast medium that enhances the detail.

Is it safe to have X-rays?

X-rays have been in use for a long time, with no evidence that they cause direct harm to your body. The naturally occurring radiation in your environment probably contains higher levels of radiation. Nevertheless, the use of ionizing radiation, such as X-rays, is harmful in large doses, so your provider only recommends it when it's in your best interest.

Modern X-ray technology uses the minimum radiation necessary to produce a clear image, and strict protocols are in place to ensure you experience minimal exposure. Furthermore, the radiation only penetrates the area concerned rather than your entire body.

If there's any chance you might be pregnant, you shouldn't have an X-ray, as there's a slight chance it could affect your unborn baby. An ultrasound is the safest option for pregnant women.

What happens when I have an X-ray?

X-rays take place in a shielded room. You need to lie, sit, or stand in the right position, where the X-ray machine has a clear view of the relevant part of your body.

Typically, you need to remove any jewelry or other metal items and exchange your clothes for a hospital gown. You might also have lead shields covering areas of your body that don't need X-raying.

After making sure you're ready, the X-ray technician leaves the room. They ask you to keep still and hold your breath while they take each X-ray. You shouldn't feel any pain, and the procedure usually takes only a few minutes.

Care Now Medical Group has convenient on-site facilities, so you don't have the bother of traveling to another location when you need an X-ray. Call their office to find out more or book an appointment online today.