Digital Radiography in Seattle

Digital radiographs have become an integral part of the modern healthcare landscape. They provide a wealth of valuable images and data that can help improve diagnoses. At Ballard Chiropractic Clinic, we use this method of taking X-rays to directly capture data during a patient’s examination, immediately transferring it to a computer system with no independent cassette holding X-ray film.

Digital X-rays are similar in how digital cameras we use today capture images. They still use X-rays taken by a machine. The only difference is that their sensors are connected to a computer where the images are captured and stored instead of a film. This allows the modern X-ray to take clearer and more accurate images compared to its predecessor.

Why We Take X-rays

When clinically necessary, X-rays of the spine may be performed to diagnose the cause of the following:

• Back or neck pain
• Fractures or broken bones
• Arthritis
• Spondylolisthesis (the dislocation or forward slipping of one vertebra over the one below it)
• Degeneration of the disks
• Tumors
• Abnormalities that can include alterations in normal curvatures, like kyphosis or scoliosis, and other congenital anomalies

Advantages of Digital X-rays

Because film is not being used in digital X-ray, images taken are viewed almost immediately on our computer. This has eliminated the need to run each X-ray film through a developer one by one, saving a lot of time. Dr. Wechselberger later reads your digital images for any pathology or other findings. Many functions included in the computer software program help in this process, including zoom functions and the ability to alter contrast.

Offering the Latest in Technology

At Ballard Chiropractic Clinic, we have upgraded our X-ray panel with cesium iodide, which is the highest technology in helping reduce the radiation dose and achieve crisp high-resolution images.

Benefits for Patients

Here are some benefits of digital radiography:

• It reduces the need for retakes.
• We also have the option to burn a CD of your images that you can walk out with.
• Should questions arise about your images, we can consult with a chiropractic radiologist who works in our office.

Digital Radiography Seattle, Crown Hill, Ballard WA | (206) 782-8500