What are the Benefits of Having an X-ray at Urgent Care?

An X-ray is a type of diagnostic imaging that allows doctors to view the internal structures of the body and identify if any issues are occurring. X-rays are most commonly used to:

– Check for broken bones or fractures.
– Identify the cause of unexplained symptoms such as pain or swelling.
– Identify foreign objects in the body.
– Pinpoint structural problems in your bones, ligaments, joints, and/or soft tissues.
– Plan comprehensive treatment.
– Restructure current treatment plans.
– Provide routine screenings for diseases (such as cancer)

X-Rays are safe and painless, however, it’s important to notify your doctor if you’re currently pregnant before undergoing testing. The radiation from X-rays can negatively affect the fetus so you may require different methods of imaging.

Solid objects, such as bones, will appear bright white on the imaging device while soft tissues, such as organs, will appear in shades of gray.

Some X-rays may require ingestion or injection of a contrast agent so that certain structures can be seen in more detail. If this is the case, the contrast material will be provided to you in liquid, pill, or powder form before the imaging starts.

There are many different types of X-rays, each of which allows your physician to see different areas and internal structures of your body. The most common types of X-rays include:

Abdominal X-ray: Which image your kidneys, stomach, liver, and bladder.

Bone X-ray: Which can be used tosee broken bones (fractures), dislocated joints and arthritis, signs of bone cancer, and infection.

Chest X-ray: This imaging identifies abnormalities in the heart and lungs as well as bones in the chest.

CT scan (computed tomography): This type of X-ray imaging uses a computer to create cross-section images of organs, bones, and tissues.

Dental X-ray: This includes imaging of the teeth and gums to identify anomalies, and infections, and to check for cavities.

Fluoroscopy: This provides moving images of organs and soft tissues, such as your intestines. It is most commonly used in GI exams.

Mammogram: These X-Rays provide imaging of breast tissue and are most often used to evaluate breast lumps and diagnose breast cancer. 

Spine X-ray: Which images bones and tissues in the spine.

A doctor will require you to get an X-ray if they suspect that you have a bone or soft tissue problem that requires visual insight to confirm or rule out. The images provided by an X-ray aid your provider in identifying issues and diagnosing conditions, which allows them to create a more comprehensive treatment plan.

X-ray imaging can help providers diagnose a wide variety of injuries and conditions including broken bones, soft-tissue damage, and diseases. They are safe and effective ways for providers to evaluate, safeguard, and improve your health.

If you need an X-ray, Reddy Urgent Care has top-of-the-line imaging equipment and dedicated medical professionals to get the job done professionally and efficiently. With walk-in appointments always available, you can come by during any of our open hours to get the imaging you need.  For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations in Downtown Long Beach, Bixby Knolls, Huntington Beach, and  Paramount, CA. We serve patients from Downtown Long Beach CA, Bixby Knolls Long Beach CA, Paramount CA, East Side CA, Los Altos CA, and surrounding areas.