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X-Rays (Spine X-Rays)
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What is the
test?
Doctors have used x-rays for over a century
to see inside the body in order to diagnose a
variety of problems, including cancer, fractures,
and pneumonia. During this test, you usually
stand in front of a photographic plate while
a machine sends x-rays, a type of radiation,
through your body. Originally, a photograph of
internal structures was produced on film; nowadays,
the image created by the x-rays goes directly
into a computer. Dense structures, such as bone,
appear white on the x-ray films because they
absorb many of the x-ray beams and block them
from reaching the plate. Hollow body parts, such
as lungs, appear dark because x-rays pass through
them. (In some other countries, like the United
Kingdom, the colors are reversed, and dense structures
are black.)
Doctors use back x-rays to examine the vertebrae
in the spine for fractures, arthritis, or spine
deformities such as scoliosis, as well as for
signs of infection or cancer. X-rays can be taken
separately for the three areas of the spine:
the cervical spine (neck), thoracic spine (middle
back), and lumbar spine (lower back). Occasionally,
doctors x-ray the pelvis to help diagnose the
cause of back pain.
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How
do I prepare for the test?
You have to remove all clothing, undergarments,
and jewelry from your upper body. You may be
asked to wear a hospital gown.
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What
happens when the test is performed?
You either stand or lie down while a technician
takes the x-rays. He or she positions you against
the photographic plate (which looks like a large
board) to get the clearest pictures. A front
view and a side view are usually taken.
For cervical spine x-rays, the technician tells
you to open your mouth as wide as you can before
taking some of the pictures; this is done to
avoid having your teeth block the view of the
bones at the top of your spine.
The technician leaves the room or stands behind
a screen while controlling the x-ray camera.
To avoid a blurred image, he or she tells you
to remain as still as possible, including holding
your breath, before taking each picture.
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What
risks are there from the test?
The amount of radiation from x-ray tests is
too small to be likely to cause any harm. However,
if you're pregnant, talk to your doctor. Radiation
may be harmful to a developing fetus.
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Must
I do anything special after the test is over?
No.
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How
long is it before the result of the test is
known?
Although digital images are often available
immediately, it may take additional time for
a doctor to examine them. You'll probably get
the results later in the day.
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