X-Ray, CT, And MRIs: What Kind Of Medical Imaging Do You Need?

Written By Lizzie Weakley / Reviewed By Ray Spotts

Medical imaging utilizes imaging modalities to get specific pictures of your body, inside and out. The images are used for the diagnosis and treatment of various ailments. Different medical imaging modalities are used in checkups or procedures. Each utilizes a diversified, complex technology to produce images for various purposes.

X-Ray Imaging

X-rays are used a lot, and you may have encountered them more frequently. The X-ray machine utilizes radiation on the electromagnetic spectrum to form pictures. They are primarily used to look at bones, check for fractures, and find bone tumors. Dentists will also use X-rays to look at your teeth.

The X-ray machine produces electromagnetic radiation that passes through your body. Your body absorbs the energy at different rates as it passes through. A detector is then used to determine the amount of radiation absorbed. Denser parts of your body like bones are portrayed as white on the X-ray since little energy passes through them.

X-rays can be scary for people with claustrophobia, but the procedure is usually quick. However, when your doctor uses contrast material to try and see your organs better, the contrast may cause some temporary side effects like vomiting, bleeding, hair loss, and fainting. X-rays also expose you to radiation, and too much exposure can cause cancer in the long run.

Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan

A CT scan creates images of your body using X-rays and advanced computers. CT scans differ from X-rays because it produces a cross-sectional image of your body. The latter makes them better at examining organs of soft tissue nature. CT scans can be used to view bone, blood vessels, and internal organs, though they are primarily used to image the brain, neck, chest, sinuses, and spine.

When getting a CT scan, you lie on a panel which then passes into the scanner. The scanner rotates, and you are instructed to remain very still because any movement can interrupt the scanning and ruin the image. The procedure can take 10 to 20 minutes, and images are ready as soon as the computer analyzes the scans.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scans

MRI images give more of a detailed cross-sectional image of a part of the body. MRIs are similar to CT scans, but the images from MRIs are usually of much higher quality, allowing your doctor to see your organs better. They are primarily used to image your brain, spinal cord, heart, blood vessels, and bones. Just like CT scans In diagnosis, MRIs give more detail, allowing better management and monitoring for patients.

MRIs usually do not produce any harmful radiation and can be used on pregnant women and babies. The disadvantage is that you cannot use an MRI if you have any metal in your body, such as implants and pacemakers because it can interfere with the magnetic field.

MH Imaging provides all these imaging modalities in a safe, convenient, and affordable manner. Many medical imaging modalities exist, and your doctor will decide what will serve you best for diagnosis and treatment.

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Written By:

Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her three-year-old husky, Snowball.

Reviewed By:

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.