X-ray Clinic in Lilburn, Norcross, Sandy Springs, Stone Mountain, Duluth, Clarkston, and Suwanee GA

X-rays are a safe, quick, and non-invasive diagnostic tool that allows you to view the inside of your body and make informed decisions about your care.

How X-Rays Work

During your visit, our trained medical team will use a specialized X-ray machine to direct a controlled beam of electromagnetic radiation through the area of your body that needs evaluation. Different tissues—such as bones, muscles, and organs—absorb these rays at different rates. Bones, being denser, appear white on the resulting image, while softer tissues show up as shades of gray, and air-filled spaces like the lungs appear darker.

Our providers use X-ray imaging to diagnose and monitor a range of conditions, including:

• Bone fractures and injuries
• Lung infections and diseases, such as pneumonia
• Joint problems, including arthritis
• Certain tumors or abnormal growths

For most patients, X-rays are very safe when used appropriately. The amount of radiation you receive during a standard X-ray is quite low—comparable to the natural background radiation everyone experiences in daily life. 

Because X-rays do involve a small amount of radiation, we take precautions to keep you safe. If you are pregnant or think you might be, please let your provider know before your X-ray appointment. Our team will discuss alternative imaging options or take extra steps to protect you and your baby, if needed.

Before your X-ray, we’ll ask you to remove any jewelry or metal objects that may interfere with the images. You may also be provided with a lead apron to shield parts of your body not being imaged. Our technologists will guide you through every step and are always available to answer your questions or address any concerns.

If you have had multiple X-rays in the past, please inform your provider so we can review your medical imaging history. Remember, the benefits of accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning typically far outweigh the minimal risks associated with X-ray exams.

X-rays are invaluable for evaluating a wide range of conditions and injuries that our patients may experience.

Common Reasons for X-rays:

• Bone Fractures & Dislocations: If you suffer trauma, pain, or swelling, our providers may order an X-ray to check for broken bones or joint dislocations. 
• Joint & Arthritis Evaluation: For patients with joint pain or stiffness, X-rays help us diagnose conditions like arthritis by revealing changes in the joint structure, such as narrowing or bone spurs.
• Chest & Lung Conditions: If you present with symptoms like cough, chest pain, or shortness of breath, a chest X-ray can help detect infections (like pneumonia or tuberculosis), chronic lung disease (such as COPD), or other abnormalities like fluid around the lungs.
• Abdominal Issues: When you have unexplained abdominal pain, we may use X-rays to look for causes such as bowel obstructions, kidney stones, or foreign objects—especially in children.

Understanding the different medical imaging options can help you feel more informed about your care.

X-rays:

X-rays are a quick and commonly used imaging tool. By using a small amount of ionizing radiation, X-rays allow our providers to visualize the inside of your body, especially bones and certain dense tissues. We often recommend X-rays to diagnose bone fractures, joint dislocations, infections, and some lung conditions. X-rays are fast, widely available, and cost-effective, making them a first-line imaging choice for many conditions we see in our office.

CT Scans (Computed Tomography):

For more detailed images, we may refer you for a CT scan. CT scans also utilize X-rays, but combine multiple images from different angles to create cross-sectional views of your body. This technology helps us detect cancers, internal injuries, and complex bone or joint issues with greater clarity. While CT scans provide more detailed information than standard X-rays, they do involve a higher dose of radiation, so we weigh the benefits and risks carefully for each patient.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging):

If you need highly detailed images of soft tissues—such as your brain, spinal cord, muscles, ligaments, or tendons—we may recommend an MRI. Unlike X-rays and CT scans, MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves rather than radiation. MRI is especially valuable for diagnosing neurological and musculoskeletal conditions. While MRI takes longer and may be less convenient for some patients, it offers the best detail for certain issues, and we will help you determine if it’s the right choice based on your specific needs and health history.

If you have questions about medical imaging or need to schedule an X-ray or other diagnostic test, please visit Lifeline Primary Care. We are here to guide you every step of the way. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We serve patients from Lilburn Main GA, Lilburn Extension GA, Lilburn – Snellville GA, Norcross GA, Sandy Springs GA, Stone Mountain GA, Duluth GA, Clarkston GA, Suwanee GA, Tucker GA, Alpharetta GA, Sugar Hill GA, Scottdale GA, Decatur GA, Doraville GA, Dunwoody GA, Roswell GA, Chamblee GA, Redan GA, Gresham Park GA, Johns Creek GA, Buford GA, and surrounding cities.