X-ray

What are X-rays?

X-rays use electromagnetic waves to create black-and-white images of the inside of your body. In the images, bones look white and other tissues appear as various shades of gray or black. The team at L.A. Urgent Care & Occupational Medicine has an on-site, digital X-ray machine to save you time and minimize radiation exposure.

Are X-rays right for me?

The urgent care specialists let you know if you’re a good candidate for X-rays after reviewing your medical history, discussing your symptoms, and completing a physical exam. They might recommend X-rays to rule out or diagnose:

·         Arthritis

·         Osteoporosis

·         Fractures

·         Infections

·         Bone cancer Lung conditions

·         Blocked blood vessels

·         Breast cancer

·         Enlarged heart

·         Swallowed items

·         Digestive tract problems

 X-rays help your doctor diagnose broken bones, pneumonia, breast cancer, and other chronic conditions. On-site diagnostic imaging procedures guide your urgent care provider’s treatment decisions.

What should I expect during X-rays?

When it’s time for X-rays, your provider might recommend you wear a gown. Remove all glasses, jewelry, and metal objects. For some types of X-rays, your urgent care specialist may have you ingest a liquid contrast medium or receive it as an enema or injection to outline specific areas of your body in X-ray images.

Your provider might place you in various positions while a digital X-ray machine takes pictures. You must remain still during the procedure, but it isn’t painful and often takes just a few minutes to complete.

After getting X-rays, there’s no downtime so you can resume normal activities immediately. If you’ve received a contrast medium, make sure to drink a lot of water after your procedure.

What do my X-ray results mean?

Your urgent care specialist can review digital X-ray results within minutes, so you don’t have to wait long. They view and interpret the results to diagnose your condition and develop a treatment plan, which might include:

·         Further diagnostic testing

·         Medications

·         Lifestyle changes

·         Physical therapy

·         Rest, ice, compression, and elevation

·         Casting or bracing

·         Chiropractic therapy

·         Acupuncture

·         Minor surgical procedures

Your provider recommends conservative treatments whenever possible but might refer you to a specialist or hospital in the case of severe injuries or illnesses. They personalize each treatment to help you fully recover and reduce the risk of serious complications.

The next time you need X-rays, you can trust experts at L.A. Urgent Care & Occupational Medicine to provide quality treatment using the latest advances in digital technology. Schedule an appointment over the phone or online, or walk in to the office today.