X-Ray

X-ray imaging provides a safe, noninvasive way to examine your bones, joints, lungs, and other internal structures. It’s quick, pain-free, and offers valuable insights into your health. At Clarksburg Urgent Care in Clarksburg, Maryland, the experienced team conducts X-ray imaging onsite. This ensures prompt treatment and saves you the hassle of visiting a separate radiology facility. Call Clarksburg Urgent Care today to schedule an X-ray appointment, or book your visit online.

What is an X-ray?

An X-ray is a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses low-dosage radiation and computer sensors to take photos inside of your body. It’s a safe and noninvasive way to diagnose various diseases, injuries, and disorders.

Why would I need an X-ray?

The Clarksburg Urgent Care team uses X-ray imaging to diagnose various health problems, including:

• Broken bones
• Structural problems affecting the joints and soft tissues (for example, arthritis)
• Herniated spinal discs
• Kidney stones
• Tumors
• Lung infections
• Foreign objects in the body

Sometimes, the team uses X-rays to guide treatment. For example, if you’re preparing to undergo hip replacement surgery, your provider might prescribe X-rays to help your surgeon determine the best surgical approach.

How do I prepare for an X-ray?

X-ray preparation depends on what part of your body is being X-rayed.

Your Clarksburg Urgent Care provider might ask you to stop eating or drinking several hours beforehand and wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes. On the day of your X-ray, leave all metal objects at home, including hair pins, jewelry, and hearing aids. These objects can affect the images and make your results inaccurate. 

Tell your provider about any allergies you have and the medications you regularly take. Additionally, tell them if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

What happens during an X-ray appointment?

Getting an X-ray typically takes less than 30 minutes.

When you arrive at Clarksburg Urgent Care, your provider asks you to change into a gown and have you stand, sit, or lie down on an X-ray table. Your positioning depends on the part of your body being examined.

Once you’re in position, your provider places the X-ray camera near the part of your body being photographed. Then, they ask you to stay very still and leave the room. After taking the X-rays, your provider reviews them to make a diagnosis and treatment recommendations. 

Do X-rays present any side effects?

X-rays are safe and usually well-tolerated. The amount of radiation used is very small and no more than the radiation you encounter in the environment.

If you need a contrast X-ray –– a type of imaging that involves injecting a dye into your body –– you might experience nausea or a headache. These symptoms are typically mild and improve within a day.

Call Clarksburg Urgent Care today to schedule an X-ray appointment, or book your visit online.