Medical Imaging and Exposure to Radiation

Medical Imaging and Exposure to Radiation

Doctors of Chiropractic receive extensive training in radiology and radiographic interpretation. Part of that training includes an emphasis on reducing unnecessary radiation exposure. Have you ever wondered how much radiation you are exposed to with medical imaging?...or in life in general?

Common forms of medical imaging are the radiograph (x­ray), computed tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and diagnostic ultrasound. MRI analyses a magnetic field to create the image and uses no radiation. Diagnostic Ultrasound employs sound waves to generate images and, also, produces no radiation. An x-ray is a single blast of ionizing radiation that is projected onto a screen, the radiation particles that are not absorbed by the body create exposure on the screen or film, similar to taking a photograph.  A CT scan is a series of many x-rays taken through multiple angles around an object (body) and a 3D image is computed by putting together all of the x-ray images.

Besides medical imaging, we are exposed to quite a bit of radiation in our day-to-day lives. Cell phones, computers, microwaves, radio waves, power lines, the sun, the ground itself  (mostly in the form of radon) and many other sources emit ionizing radiation.

You may have heard it recommended to keep your cell phone at least a half inch away from your head when talking…due to radiation exposure. Increased elevation increases your radiation exposure from the sun. Living a mile high here in Bozeman increases our radiation exposure from the sun compared to living coastally.  Solar radiation is not blocked by the outside of a plane (a plane is not made of led); so, flying in an airplane significantly increases our exposure to solar radiation. Radiation that we are exposed to from sources such as the sun, the earth, our food and water and our environment in general is often referred to as “background radiation”. There are several ways to measure radiation; one of the current standards is the millisievert (mSv). The average American is exposed to about 3 mSv per year from background radiation.

In theory, even the smallest amount ionizing radiation has the potential to damage cells, DNA and genes and can potentially cause adverse health effects, specifically mutations in cells that lead to cancer; however, it is thought that a certain amount is relatively safe. Our bodies can typically manage certain levels of radiation exposure. With that in mind, let’s compare background radiation to common forms of radiation emitting medical imaging.

http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=safety-xray

While any radiation exposure is a hazard, we can see from the chart above that most common procedures do not expose us to that much more radiation than what we are exposed to in our day to day lives. On the other hand, these are single intense doses of radiation vs. a gradual dose from background radiation.  Which is why doctors do not indiscriminately expose all patients to medical imaging unless necessary.

At Gallatin Valley Chiropractic we approach patient diagnosis conservatively and as safely as possible.  When necessary, we refer patients to the hospital where they receive state of the art digital imaging that we have access to within minutes of when it was taken. This not only assures high quality imaging, it provides your doctor with a radiologists interpretation. As chiropractors we have extensive education in radiology; yet, we value another professional set of eyes reviewing the imaging that we have ordered for optimum patient care.

If you are experiencing a condition that you feel may require imaging feel free to visit Gallatin Valley Chiropractic for a consultation or exam. We will provide you with objective information to help you make the best decisions for your health.

Call today for an appointment!  (406) 551-2177