How often have you seen ads on TV or on the internet that encourage getting a full body x ray to protect your health? These days, a full body x ray and a scan have become popular trends in the field of preventive health. 

Let’s begin by exploring what an x-ray is. It’s a diagnostic imaging technique, which is also known as radiography. Using an x-ray, a detailed image of the bony structure can be developed. For example, if you have shoulder pain, a doctor will use x-rays to assess your shoulder bone. Similarly, a normal chest x-ray helps determine any infection or problem in the chest.  

Different diagnostic imaging techniques also use x-rays, like CT scans. However, these are more expensive and expose the body to more radiation. The doctors recommend a full body x ray scan or a CT scan considering your body condition. Using the reports, health practitioners can make an accurate diagnosis that benefits. 

Read on to find more about a full body x ray and how advancing medical technology is benefiting in detecting different health issues. 

What is a Full Body X Ray?

A full body x ray is known as a scanning and diagnostic medical imaging procedure. It involves taking pictures of the entire body organs, bones, and muscles. It’s known as a screening tool that involves a lot of radiation. 

For instance, a CT scan involves taking many x-ray pictures of the body from different angles. At the same time, the PET scan involves injecting radioactive material into the body before scanning it. Thus, a full body x ray scan must only be suggested when it’s very necessary. 

Mainly, a full body x ray scan is an imaging technique that assists in evaluating and assessing the entire body from the brain to the toes. The x-ray travels through the exposed parts of the body. Then, your organs absorb the radiations while the detector available on the other side collects the unabsorbed rays. 

Primarily, there are two types of x-rays:

• Soft x-rays have shorter wavelengths and can be placed in the electromagnetic spectrum. 
• Hard x-rays have larger wavelengths that occupy a lot of space, like gamma rays. 

If a doctor has recommended a full body x ray, it is necessary to consider getting quality diagnostic imaging. From a chest x-ray to an abdominal x-ray and foot x-ray, all these benefit in detecting disorders. Worldwide, x-rays are the most commonly used diagnostic imaging tests. These are widely available for patients. Also, doctors recommend a full body x ray scan before they suggest any other sophisticated diagnostic imaging procedures. 

X-rays involve radiations that are passed through your body. The doctor or radiologists are responsible for positioning your body between the scanner and sensor in an x-ray machine. Throughout the process, you must remain still so that the x-ray reports are more accurate. 

Commonly, x-rays are used as quality diagnostic imaging to detect the following:

• Fractures
• Tremors
• Dislocations
• Infections
• Disease 
• Bone degeneration

Benefits of a Full Body X Ray

A full body x ray scan is not only a quick procedure but also painless. Commonly, MRI and CT scans are used for full-body scans as this helps get clear and reliable images of the body’s inner organs. All you’ve to do is choose the most reliable and accurate x-ray services in NJ imaging. You can also look for affordable imaging services.  

A full body x ray scan can help detect deadly diseases like cancer in the early stages. Also, it’s beneficial in assessing the health of the organs. Using a full body x ray scan, the following can be detected:

• Huge masses
• A fatty liver
• Kidney stones
• Cysts
• Bloated spleen
• Inflamed lymph nodes
• Tumor or cancerous cells.

Commonly, doctors recommend a full body x ray scan in the following situations:

• A patient has a family history of aneurysms or coronary artery disease. 
• If a patient is overweight. 
• Over the age of 45 years. 
• Sedentary 
• Has high cholesterol, blood pressure, or diabetes. 
• If a person smokes at least a pack of cigarettes daily. 

On the other hand, it has been found that the rapid advancement in medical technology has benefited diagnosing and planning treatments. For x-ray imaging, you must choose a reliable New Jersey Imaging Center at Elizabeth, Edison, and Perth Amboy. 

On the internet, you can find authentic New Jersey imaging networks. Thus, find the ones closest to your place so that you can easily access their x-ray services. The increasing facilities for diagnostic imaging in New Jersey are making it easier to get better and timely treatments. 

Some more benefits of full body x ray are listed below:

• Once you get it done, it reduces the chance for exploratory surgeries. 
• It can help in determining whether surgery or extensive treatment is required or not. 
• Doctors can diagnose through a full body x ray, which benefits in managing most body conditions. 
• It provides visual guidance for the treatment of different health conditions.
• The screening facilitates the early detection of different chronic and deadly diseases like cancer. 

What to Expect When Going for a Full Body X Ray?

Firstly, it’s important to understand the procedure of a full body x ray. It includes the use of small doses of ionizing radiation used to get images of the inner parts of the body. The diagnostic procedure is used for adults as well as children. It can assess the bones, check your lungs, or find any abnormality in the body muscles. 

Moreover, during a full body x ray, the radiologists will help you in getting prepared. You’ll be required to stand still inside the x-ray machine so that the images can be captured. It involves taking close images that help find any signs of cancer or other health issues. Overall, it does not require any special preparation. All you have to do is remove your eyeglasses, jewelry, and other metal object or clothing. These could blur or affect the quality of images. 

Then, you’ll have to stand up or lie down. It depends on the type of x-ray machine. The tubes will assess your body and create images after sending a radiation beam through your body. It takes around 10 to 20 minutes only. Throughout, you won’t feel anything. 

Final Thoughts 

The bottom line is that a full body x ray has its pros and cons. If your doctor has suggested it, it’s best to get quality diagnostic imaging. From a reputable radiologist part of the New Jersey imaging network. These offer affordable imaging for a chest x-ray, foot x-ray, abdominal x-ray, or any other type of x-ray scan. 

Advanced diagnostic imaging can benefit in detecting health problems. It’s best to get an early diagnosis as it facilitates the treatment and procedures. Worldwide, x-rays have made a remarkable place in the field of medicine. It’s painless and non-invasive. So, it’s up to you if you want to go through a full body x ray or not. It’s best to follow the doctor’s recommendations.