X-Rays (What are They Good for?)
Welcome back to the weekly blog! This week we will be looking into x-rays, their history, what they are, when you need to get one, and some common misconceptions behind them. So with those concepts in mind, let’s delve right in.
The x-ray was accidentally discovered in 1895 by a German physicist named Willhelm Röntgen who was experimenting with light tubes that were emitting low levels of radiation. He dubbed the radiation “x” rays to represent the unknown nature of this new discovery. While Röntgen was successful in creating very basic images using this newfound type of electromagnetic radiation called the “x” ray it wasn’t until about a year later in 1896 where the first clinical use for the x-ray was used. British doctor John Hall-Edwards was the first to use the x-ray in a surgical procedure which proved the effectiveness and application of the x-ray. The devices used to generate x-rays at the time often took long periods of time and were not the most convenient to use. In 1914, chemist and physicist Marie Curie developed the first portable and rapid form of use for the x-ray to treat injuries during World War I. Since then, technology has helped to improve the speed, safety, and accessibility for use of the x-ray in several fields from medical to airport security.
But what exactly is an x-ray? And radiation, isn’t that dangerous? These are definitely some valid questions to be asking if x-rays are part of your healthcare. An x-ray is a form of electromagnetic radiation, essentially a wave of light energy that’s invisible to the human eye. The wave travels through our bodies’ and is absorbed by certain parts of our body, such as our bones. After the waves pass through, that energy absorbed by the body is picked up by a device which is what produces the classic x-ray images we see. Our muscles, internal organs, metal devices like a pacemaker, and piercings can absorb small amounts of x-rays as well which is why they can also appear in an x-ray image, though less vividly.
X-rays typically involve cross-section views: A front view and side view for comparison purposes.
X-rays are sometimes frowned upon because of the term “radiation” which we often hear in movies, books, and other forms of media as something potentially dangerous. Thankfully, it’s not the same type of radiation that you might hear comes from places like Chernobyl. The radiation from x-rays is negligible and is unable to harm you with the small amounts you’re exposed to during an x-ray. The harm comes from excessive exposure to x-rays similar to how one might be harmed by sitting in a tanning bed for too long, or standing in the sun during a scorching summer day.
When should I get an x-ray? Are they really necessary? X-rays serve as a useful diagnostic tool and there is a lot they can show us. They are best used for identification of fractured bones, monitoring of healing bones, bony deformities, misplacement of medical devices, pneumonia or bronchitis, ingestion of a foreign object, and kidney stones are some examples of what an x-ray can be used for. Since x-rays aren’t well absorbed by muscles, ligaments, and other internal organs, this tool is not well suited for identifying problems involving them. For example, if you have a muscle strain then an x-ray is not the best assessment tool. X-rays can sometimes be costly, so health care practitioners will opt to use other diagnostic tools to identify a problem unless there is a significant finding or “red flag” that necessitates the use of an x-ray.
Fractures are one of the most common indications for ordering an X-ray.
Wrapping up, the x-ray is a versatile and safe diagnostic tool used to identify a variety of bony conditions as well as some none bony conditions. It’s quick usage and immediate results allow for your chiropractor to better help you once your condition has been identified. It’s also important to remember that getting an x-ray doesn’t mean you automatically have an injury, but it can help rule it out or at the very least the severity of an injury.
Well, that’s all for today. If you have more questions about x-rays then feel free to ask your chiropractor next time you’re in the office. Until next time!