Now accepting Telehealth appointments. Schedule a virtual visit.

X-Ray


 

X-rays are one of the best known diagnostic tests. They are generally indicated only for patients who have had pain for more than one month or who have had a significant injury. Patients over the age of 60 should have X-rays at the onset of pain if there has been no injury.

During an X-ray, low doses of invisible electromagnetic energy with short wavelengths pass through the body and cast a "shadow" photograph onto a film or screen. Since bones are dense, they absorb X-rays well and show up as white on the film, while the tissues show up more darkly.

A key benefit of X-rays is that they can be performed quickly. Since they highlight the bones, X-rays demonstrate injury in a back bone, a spinal tumor, or a spinal deformity. They may also be ordered to diagnose degenerative disc disease, sciatica, scoliosis, kyphosis, and stenosis. Simple X-rays, however, are not effective in finding injuries to the soft tissues. Still, X-rays often help the physician determine what other tests should be given.

During an X-ray test, you lie on a table, with the adjustable X-ray machine above you. You won’t feel anything when the rays pass through your body. The technician will ask you to remain still while the X-ray is being taken so that the image will not be blurred. For scoliosis and kyphosis, X-rays are often taken standing.

The exposure time during an X-ray is just a fraction of a second, and with modern equipment, the radiation dose is very low. However, X-rays are usually not performed if there is the possibility of pregnancy, and a lead shield may be used to cover the patient’s reproductive organs from the X-ray beam.

Anatomy of the Spine

Video Library

Diagnostic Tests

X-Ray

CT or CAT Scan

MRI

Bone Scan

Discogram

Myelogram

Conditions

Degenerative Disc

Compression Fracture

Herniated Disc

Back Pain

Neck Pain

Scoliosis

Sciatica

Kyphosis

Spondylolisthesis

Spinal Infections

Spinal Tumors

Facet Joint Syndrome

Spinal Stenosis

Spondylosis

 
Our Locations

Choose your preferred location