Definitely! We understand that you will be dealing with radiation and higher costs at times, but not getting an X-ray when dealing with lots of pain can increase your risk of long-term injury and other health complications.

Our AFC Urgent Care Farragut provides some additional info on X-rays below, so read on!

What Are X-rays, Anyway?

X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation used to create images of bones, joints and soft tissue structures inside the body. The X-ray image looks like a set of shadows on a piece of plastic film that shows bones as white, air as black, and soft tissues as varying shades of gray.

Most radiographs take less than a second to perform, although more complicated procedures, such as a barium enema, can take more than an hour. We’ve listed some conditions that could call for an X-ray below.

Potential Reasons for X-ray

• Breast tumors
• Enlarged heart
• Blocked blood vessels
• Conditions affecting your lungs
• Digestive problems
• Fractures
• Infections
• Osteoporosis
• Arthritis
• Tooth decay

Why Are X-rays Actually Necessary?

X-rays can help determine the necessary course of treatment and reveal pre-existing conditions that might interfere. Plus, in many cases, X-rays are necessary to diagnose and/or exclude the possibility of more serious health problems.

If you are unsure what you should bring or do to prepare for an X-ray, we’ve listed a few things to expect below.

Ways to Prepare for an X-ray

• If you are a woman, tell your doctor if you might be pregnant. The doctor will also likely ask about your last menstrual period to assure that it is safe to take the radiographs.
• Remove any clothing over the part of the body to be X-rayed. If necessary, you will be given a gown and sometimes a protective lead drape to shield the rest of your body.
• Remove all jewelry from the body part that will be X-rayed. The metal in the jewelry may obscure the image.

Whether it’s at Tate’s Day Camp or a UT sports camp, kids can get injured, too! Remember to visit our AFC Urgent Care Farragut center if you or your child need an X-ray.