X-RAYS
The tiny particles of electromagnetic radiation emitted by an X-ray machine pass through soft tissue, such as muscle, ligaments, and tendons, to create an image that can be used by healthcare providers interested in visualizing significant internal structures. In some cases, a contrast medium, or dye, is introduced into the body to help images show up in greater detail.
The image contains various shades of white and gray. Because bones and metal objects are solid, less radiation is able to pass through them, making them appear white on the radiograph. Skin, muscle, blood and other fluids, and fat will appear gray because a greater amount of radiation is able to pass through.
Areas containing air, or even a fracture, will appear black compared to surrounding tissue because there is nothing to stop the radiation beams.
Conventional X-ray images can be used to evaluate symptoms that originate inside the body and to diagnose injuries. A few reasons conventional X-rays are done include:
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Identify fractures (cracks) and breaks or infections in bones and teeth
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Diagnose cavities and evaluate structures in the mouth and jaw
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Spot signs of joint changes that indicate arthritis
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Identify tumors on bones
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Measure bone density as a means of diagnosing osteoporosis
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Find signs of pneumonia, tuberculosis, or lung cancer (chest X-rays)
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Examine breast tissue for signs of cancer using a special X-ray technique called mammography
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Find signs of heart failure or changes in blood flow to the lungs and heart
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Identify problems in the digestive tract such as kidney stones, sometimes using a contrast medium called barium
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Locate swallowed items such as a coin or tiny toy in children
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Depending on the results of the X-ray scan, patients at Premier Urgent Care can experience lasting pain relief and begin their recovery after treatment with injections, and pain management techniques.
A few types of joint and soft tissue injections offered at the clinic include nerve blocks, piriformis injections, sacroiliac joint injections, epidural injections, and trigger point injections.
Pain management techniques can help patients minimize pain through cold and heat therapy, massage, acupuncture, gentle exercise, physical therapy, yoga, deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, biofeedback, cognitive behavior therapy, music therapy, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication
X-ray scans that identify severe injuries, such as broken bones, may require advanced treatment such as surgery. Premier Urgent Care supports patients needing a range of treatments. Staff is available to answer any questions about obtaining advanced treatment.
An X-ray is a medical imaging technique that uses very small amounts of electromagnetic radiation to create images of structures inside the body that can be viewed digitally or on film. X-rays may be done to view bones and teeth, making them useful for diagnosing breaks, fractures, and diseases. A healthcare provider may order an X-ray to evaluate organs and structures inside the chest, including the lungs, heart, and breasts, and in the abdomen.