If you’ve ever been injured, broken a bone or suffered from a medical condition affecting any of your body’s internal organs, it’s likely you’ve had an imaging exam. Doctors and other medical professionals rely on medical imaging to see what’s going on inside your body so they can accurately diagnose and manage your symptoms and treat your underlying condition. Once you’re diagnosed with a medical condition, your doctor may order additional imaging tests to monitor the effectiveness of a prescribed treatment.

The three most frequently used types of medical imaging are X-rays, CT scans and MRIs.

If you’ve recently been in an accident, you may be wondering which type of imaging will be best for diagnosing your injuries. A medical professional should explain which test is best for your condition and why.

What Is an X-Ray?

This basic imaging test creates two-dimensional images with the use of radiation. X-rays are commonly used to look for broken bones, dislocations, lung infections, scoliosis, certain tumors and abdominal problems. The major advantage of this imaging technique is that it’s fast, painless and non-invasive.

During an examination, the X-ray machine will send radiation through your body. The radiation is blocked by tissue containing considerable amounts of calcium, specifically bones and teeth, giving them a white appearance on the image.

Soft tissues in your body, such as muscles, nerves or tendons, will appear grey or black on the screen.

Is Getting an X-Ray Safe?

You may have heard that exposure to radiation may cause cancer. While radiation is a human carcinogen, X-rays use an extremely low dose of radiation. The chance for negative side effects is very low and the benefits almost always significantly outweigh the risks.

What Is a CT Scan?

A computed tomography scan, also known as a CT scan, uses hundreds of X-rays to produce three-dimensional images that show the inside of your body. CT scans are used to examine bones, organs, tissue and to detect tumors.

Just like X-rays, CT scans are quick, painless and non-invasive. CT scans are generally recommended when a 3D scan will be more helpful in diagnosing an injury than a 2D X-ray.

CT scans are an excellent option for emergency situations. If you’ve suffered a physical injury from a car accident or slip and fall, a CT scan can detect things like internal bleeding, bone fractures, brain injuries and blood clots.

What Is an MRI?

Magnetic resonance imaging relies on magnetic fields and radio waves to display detailed images of organs, soft tissues, bones and cartilage. An MRI doesn’t use any iodizing radiation to produce images.  

MRI is a good imaging solution for patients with muscle tears and sprains, spinal injuries, brain tumors, strokes, nerve compression, joint inflammation, cartilage loss and more.

Even though it doesn’t use radiation, MRI is not safe for everyone. If you have metal in your body, such as a joint replacement, your doctor will likely order another type of imaging. Also, if you have trouble remaining still for extended periods of time or you’re claustrophobic, lying inside an MRI scanner may be an unsettling experience.

MRI tends to be a lot more costly and time-consuming than X-ray or CT scans, but it provides detailed 3D imaging that is precise, painless and non-invasive.

Why Should I Visit an Atlanta HURT911 Injury Center After an Accident?

The combination of cutting-edge diagnostic tools, like X-rays, CT scans and MRI, along with our expertise in the musculoskeletal system, allows our team to quickly identify injuries and begin treatment. Our chiropractors and injury specialists know where to look and how best to treat all types of car accident injuries.

Schedule Your Same-Day Appointment with HURT911 Injury Center in Georgia

Our treatment centers provide comprehensive personal injury care to residents in the Atlanta metro area. We pride ourselves on having a highly trained medical staff and state-of-the-art diagnostic and imaging technology. We’ll also help you with injury insurance claims and documentation.

To schedule an appointment at one of our locations, call 1-800-HURT-911.