What is a static X-ray?
An X-ray is a common imaging test that’s been used for decades. X-ray imaging creates pictures of the inside of your body. The images show the parts of your body in different shades of black and white. This is because different tissues absorb different amounts of radiation. Calcium in bones absorbs X-rays the most, so bones look white. Fat and other soft tissues absorb less and look gray. Air absorbs the least, so lungs look black. These images can help your provider diagnose, monitor, and treat many medical conditions.
The most familiar use of X-rays is checking for fractures (broken bones), but X-rays are also used in other ways. For example, chest X-rays can spot pneumonia.
When you have an X-ray, you may wear a lead apron to protect certain parts of your body. The amount of radiation you get from an X-ray is small. For example, a chest X-ray gives out a radiation dose similar to the amount of radiation you’re naturally exposed to from the environment over 10 days.
Why is an X-ray performed?
Your provider may order an X-ray to examine an area where you’re experiencing pain or discomfort, monitor the progression of a diagnosed disease, such as osteoporosis, or check to see how well a prescribed treatment is working
What is a digital motion X-ray?
Digital Motion X-ray uses leading-edge technology to detect ligament injuries that can’t be seen with a static x-ray, MRI, or CT-scan. It is a dynamic tool for people who have been in a motor vehicle accident and have already had a static X-ray.
Why a digital motion X-ray?
You can’t move for a static X-ray like with a digital motion X-ray. Unlike a static X-ray, the DMX creates a motion picture while a person is moving. This results in an effective diagnostic tool and can be used for all joints of the body. In addition, it is created in real-time while the person is moving.
Digital Motion X-rays (DMX) are ideal for:
- Anyone who may have whiplash, concussion, or other neck injury and has developed chronic symptoms.
- Providing a unique look at the structures causing your pain and other joint instability symptoms.
- When MRI and static X-ray show “nothing” but you still have chronic symptoms
How does it work?
The spine or joint goes through a range of motions while the DMX is videotaping the movement. The camera takes 30 individual X-ray frames per second to create the digital motion X-ray. Then the consecutive X-rays are digitalized to create a 90-second video of the movement of the bones. This video can be freeze-framed, zoomed in or out, or viewed in slow motion.