Digital Radiology (X-Rays)

Digital radiology is the technology which provides a radiographic image of the body to a monitor for viewing by the practitioner.  Unlike traditional x-ray, the images are created using less radiation and the electronics used are more sensitive.  There are 2 kinds of digital systems in use:  direct where the image is connected to the computer and is immediately available and indirect where the image is stored on phosphor (radiated) plates and then scanned digitally.

There have been significant developments over time in medical imaging.  X-ray images were first developed in 1895 by a physicist Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen.  By the 1950’s nuclear medicine imaging was being done to provide information with regard to the coronary, kidney, and skeletal system.  During the 1970’s and early 1980’s ultrasound and digital radiography were introduced.  Today further technological refinements are resulting in enhanced speed and clarity of image.

Chiropractic offices use digital x-ray to take on-site views of the spine in order to see structural instabilities, postural problems, congenital problems and degenerative conditions.  Chiropractors are also incorporating video fluoroscopy into their practices which is a digital motion x-ray technique.  This technique allows views to be taken while while the patient's body is in motion.