X-Ray Dose Estimate for Lower Back: Understanding Radiation Exposure

  • I
  • Thread starter girts
  • Start date
  • Tags
    X-ray
In summary, the person took an x-ray for their lower back and is curious about the amount of radiation they received. They asked their doctor but were not given an answer and are now seeking information elsewhere. The x-ray was a typical one with 4 individual pictures taken. They are aware of basic physics and are not scared, just curious.
  • #1
girts
186
22
today I took a x ray for my lower back, now medical issues aside what I want to know is is there any estimate of the dose I received?
just to be clear i don't have paranoia and I know basic physics so I'm not scared but purely out of curiosity because later this year I might have to do things that will give me additional dose, so I want to know.
I asked the doctor but he said that he doesn't know the dose, he said it is being checked and written somewhere but in order for me to know it I must consult the administration and since I did not have time for that I thought I might as well ask here
the x ray was a typical one and it was done in my stomach/lower back area, there were 4 individual pictures taken so 4 shots.

Sorry if this is easily found on internet then pardon my ignorance
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #3
Pk i will check out, i just assumed this would not be as mainstream as it seems to be
 

1. What is an X-Ray Dose Estimate for Lower Back?

An X-Ray Dose Estimate for Lower Back is a measurement of the amount of radiation a person receives during an X-ray procedure on their lower back. It is typically measured in units of millisieverts (mSv) and is used to estimate the potential health risks associated with radiation exposure.

2. How is the X-Ray Dose Estimate calculated?

The X-Ray Dose Estimate is calculated by measuring the radiation emitted from the X-ray machine and taking into account factors such as the type of X-ray, the size and thickness of the patient, and the number of images taken. This information is then used to calculate the amount of radiation absorbed by the patient's lower back.

3. What is a safe level of X-Ray Dose for the lower back?

The safe level of X-Ray Dose for the lower back is considered to be less than 1 mSv per year. This is the recommended limit set by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) to minimize the risk of radiation-induced health effects.

4. What are the potential risks of radiation exposure from X-rays on the lower back?

The potential risks of radiation exposure from X-rays on the lower back include skin burns, DNA damage, and an increased risk of developing cancer. However, the risk is generally low, especially when the X-Ray Dose Estimate is within the recommended safe limit.

5. How can I reduce my X-Ray Dose exposure during a lower back X-ray?

To reduce your X-Ray Dose exposure during a lower back X-ray, you can ask the radiology technologist to use the lowest possible dose of radiation necessary to obtain clear images. You can also inform them of any previous X-rays you have had on your lower back, as this can help them adjust the dose accordingly. Additionally, wearing a lead apron during the procedure can also help minimize radiation exposure.

Similar threads

A Larger X-ray dose in traditional X-ray of head vs. Head CT?
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
7
Views
416
Does Radiation from X-Rays/CT Stay in Body Forever (Risks)?
    • Biology and Medical
2
Replies
46
Views
4K
What is the potential for extremity doses in this X-ray exposure incident?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
884
Calculating Roentgens from an X-Ray source
    • Nuclear Engineering
Replies
7
Views
2K
X-ray entrance surface dose and effective dose
    • Biology and Medical
Replies
4
Views
4K
COVID "High" dose of steroids in mild infection may lead to viral pneumonia?
    • Biology and Medical
Replies
10
Views
1K
Medical What can generally be seen in a x-ray image?
    • Biology and Medical
Replies
9
Views
2K
COVID Oxford Vaccine Approved In Australia
    • Biology and Medical
Replies
4
Views
1K
Fluoroscopic optimal conditions
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
751
Medical Xray diagnostics mutagenic and so genocide effect on genome
    • Biology and Medical
Replies
4
Views
4K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top