“Are X-rays safe?” is one of the first questions I hear from new patients in Sarasota, and it’s a good one. You should understand anything we recommend for your body. Here’s a straight answer.
How much radiation is in a spine X-ray?
Radiation dose is measured in millisieverts (mSv). According to RadiologyInfo.org, run by the American College of Radiology and the Radiological Society of North America:
- A chest X-ray is about 0.1 mSv, roughly what you’d get from 10 days of natural background radiation.
- A lumbar (low back) spine X-ray is about 1.4 mSv, roughly 6 months of natural background radiation.
- A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is about 7.7 mSv, roughly 2.6 years of natural background radiation.
- The average person in the U.S. gets about 3 mSv per year just from natural sources like the ground, the air and space.
So a set of spine X-rays is a small, one-time dose. It’s not zero, which is exactly why we don’t take them without a reason.
When we take X-rays, and when we don’t
We only take X-rays when your exam gives us a clear reason to, like a curve we need to measure, a recent accident, numbness or tingling, or pain that isn’t following a normal pattern. We take extra care with kids and women who are or may be pregnant. We do not X-ray every child.
If you already have recent X-rays or an MRI from another office, bring them. If they show what we need, there’s no reason to repeat them.
Why X-rays are worth it when you need them
A hands-on exam tells us a lot, but it can’t show us the position and condition of the bones themselves. X-rays let us see your curves, your disc spaces, signs of arthritis, old injuries that healed in the wrong position, and anything that means your care should be modified.
We use PostureRay to measure your X-rays against normal values and turn the numbers into a report you can actually read. Then we re-measure along the way, so you can see your progress, not just feel it. Learn more about our digital X-ray and PostureRay reports.
Want to know exactly where your spine stands? Your first visit includes a full exam, and X-rays when your exam shows a reason for them. Schedule your first visit or call (941) 259-2229.
About Dr. Alex Lee
Dr. Alex is a Life Chiropractic College West graduate and former D1 baseball player who owns Circadian Chiropractic & Sport in Sarasota, Florida. He helps families and athletes in Sarasota, Bradenton, and Lakewood Ranch.
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Consultation, full exam, X-rays (if necessary), your first adjustment, a report of findings, and care recommendations.
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