X-rays allow your physician to see your bones, joints, and soft tissues. At Bellevue Medical Imaging, PLLC, in Bellevue, Washington, Brian Jacobs, MD, offers X-rays using advanced equipment to properly diagnose your medical condition. X-rays are often necessary for diagnostic testing of conditions like broken bones and joint pain. Call Bellevue Medical Imaging or book an appointment online for an X-ray today.
An X-ray is an imaging test that uses electromagnetic waves to display images of the structures inside your body. X-rays most prominently highlight hard tissues, like bone, but can also show soft tissues.
When you have an X-ray, different parts of your body absorb varying radiation levels. Bone appears white, while your soft tissues typically look gray. Your lungs appear black on an X-ray because they absorb the lowest level of electromagnetic waves.
Not all primary care clinics have on-site X-ray equipment. In this case, your physician refers you to an outside radiology center for your test. Bellevue Medical Imaging ensures you receive the proper tests to diagnose your condition.
At Bellevue Medical Imaging, Dr. Jacobs may recommend an X-ray to:
Some of the most common conditions that an X-ray can assess are:
Fractures are cracks or breaks in the bone. Some fractures result from a sudden sports injury or accident, while others develop when the bones weaken.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that develops when the cartilage that surrounds your joints deteriorates. As your cartilage breaks down, friction between connecting bones causes pain and inflammation.
Osteoporosis is a chronic disease that causes porous bones. New bone tissue doesn’t replace old bone quickly enough. This can cause the bones to become brittle and leave them vulnerable to fractures.
An X-ray can help Dr. Jacobs identify cancer in the bones, organs, and soft tissues. He may recommend an X-ray to diagnose or determine the stage of a tumor.
You don’t need to make special preparations for an X-ray, but you may want to wear loose clothing and avoid wearing jewelry.
Depending on the area the Dr. Jacobs examines, he may ask you to lie down, stand, or sit in a certain position to take the X-ray. These scans are painless, non-invasive, and quick, so you can resume your normal activities immediately after the procedure.
Once Dr. Jacobs reviews your scans, he discusses the results with you. He may recommend additional testing or treatment depending on the results.
To learn more about the uses for X-rays, call Bellevue Medical Imaging or book an appointment online today.