Electromagnetic energy exists all around us in the form of waves and particles. Non-ionizing electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are commonly employed for diagnostic imaging and pain relief treatments like TENS for muscle strain relief.
Ionizing radiation includes X-rays and gamma rays produced within unstable atoms’ nuclei, used clinically for external beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy treatments.
X-rays
X-rays are electromagnetic energy sources best known for their ability to image broken bones and other bodily structures. Furthermore, radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation beams to destroy cancer cells through damaging DNA damage. Since their invention by Wilhelm Conrad Rontgen in 1895, x-ray technology has become one of the cornerstones of medicine.
To produce an X-ray, electrons are accelerated using an electrical potential difference in an anode target of an X-ray tube and as they approach, they become ionized by its nucleus and lose some of their kinetic energy as electromagnetic radiation, or “bremsstrahlung”, through a process called bremsstrahlung. As they pass through body structures they create images on special plates similar to camera film with more dense structures appearing whiter in color on their X-ray images.
X-rays can help diagnose fractures and injuries, but they’re also widely used for cancer screenings as well as checking for abnormalities in the lungs, digestive tract and pregnancy evaluation. Furthermore, pregnant women should consult with their physician prior to having an X-ray exam performed; such exams could potentially harm unborn babies.
Due to their strong wavelengths, X-rays can cause serious tissue and organ damage; however, thanks to our bodies natural defense system we are usually able to quickly heal any damages from X-ray exposure. Although X-rays can be invaluable tools in medicine, they should only be administered when necessary. When there are alternative imaging tests such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging available to minimize unnecessary radiation exposure. Notifying your doctor if you are pregnant before getting an X-ray examination is also vital, since ionizing effects from X-rays could pose a potential risk to an unborn fetus and can be adjusted to reduce that risk. Today’s modern X-ray machines use digital images instead of traditional film for improved accuracy.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
MRI uses powerful magnetic fields and radio waves to produce highly detailed images of body structures without emitting radiation, making it extremely helpful in both diagnosing many conditions and planning treatments. Like X-rays and computed tomography (CT), it can detect cancer, stroke and other diseases while providing valuable information about organs and tissue structure. Furthermore, its images often reveal more about conditions than traditional diagnostic techniques alone and are frequently used as guidance during biopsy procedures.
When being examined using an MRI machine, people lie inside a hollow cylindrical magnet while being exposed to high-frequency radio waves that create a magnetic field. This magnetic field lines up hydrogen atoms found naturally within water molecules throughout their bodies which then emit signals based on which tissue type they inhabit and simultaneously recorded by the scanner; later these signals are processed by computer reconstruction software into an image of the area being studied – unlike its counterparts X-ray and CT scanning which both utilize radiation, unlike its very safe alternative MRI which uses no radiation during its analysis allowing greater safety when studying an area.
Contrasting with NMR spectroscopy, which measures chemical changes, MRI imaging reveals differences in tissue shape and density throughout the body. It’s an invaluable way to diagnose brain disorders as well as alters in metabolic patterns associated with different disease states.
In addition to revealing structural features, MRI can detect specific forms of cancer or tumors such as those originating in the liver, kidneys and prostate. Furthermore, it’s often used for blood flow evaluation, joint status assessment and identification of infections.
Before going in for an MRI examination, individuals must remove all metal objects such as credit cards and keys and wear a gown without buttons, snaps or zippers. They may be given anti-anxiety medication or earplugs to reduce discomfort caused by loud banging noises during the scan; additionally they must remain still and may need to hold their breath for extended periods while images are being captured by technicians. It is also essential that they inform them technician of any implanted medical devices like insulin pumps or pacemakers as this may impact upon how successful their scan will go in terms of time constraints or duration.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound imaging uses sound waves to produce images of organs within the body. Ultrasound can be used to examine babies in their mother’s womb (sonography), as well as diagnose issues in other parts of the body – it is painless and radiation free; excellent for soft tissues which do not show up well on X-rays; safe; the ultrasound machine sends out high frequency soundwaves which a computer uses to generate images of these tissues or organs.
Sound waves bounce off body structures and reflect back to an ultrasound machine, where a computer creates an image based on their echos. This image can then be displayed on a monitor or recorded onto videotape for future review or recording on video. Sonograms may be seen either one-dimensionally or three-dimensionally with 3D imaging providing more details images.
An ultrasound machine consists of a computer console, monitor and transducer resembling a microphone; water-based gel is applied over the area being examined to allow sounds waves to travel through and return to the transducer for examination; sonograms are displayed on a monitor, operated and interpreted by trained ultrasound technicians (sonographers).
Diagnostic ultrasound is used to assess internal organs and systems within the body, such as the heart, liver, kidneys, blood vessels, tendons and joints. It’s especially helpful in fetal and pediatric examinations; noninvasive, painless and relatively inexpensive procedures with variable results depending on operator experience and skill.
Therapeutic ultrasound uses high-frequency acoustic energy to produce thermal and mechanical effects within the body, with applications in areas like obstetrics/gynecology, pain management, physical therapy, and other specialties. You can control its frequency by changing its duty factor (cycle); increasing this will produce less heat but may compromise imaging resolution.
Radiofrequency (RF)
Radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RFEMFs) can be produced both naturally and artificially, the latter typically coming from mobile phones, cordless phone base stations, local wireless networks, radio transmission towers and microwave ovens. RF fields may produce either heat or nerve stimulation at different frequency ranges depending on which device is being used – which is why Canada has implemented limits to ensure Canadians’ safety.
Studies on the health effects of RF EMF exposure have explored its possible adverse health impacts in various ways, and most have failed to uncover any correlation between it and adverse health consequences and exposure; where an association has been discovered, typically long-term, high-level exposure or the use of powerful devices was involved.
Radiofrequency technology is often utilized in medicine for pain relief. This can be accomplished through interrupting nerve fibres that send pain signals directly to the brain through a radiofrequency neurotomy procedure. Furthermore, RF can also be utilized in cosmetic and plastic surgery applications to tighten skin by thermally restructuring collagen matrix structures.
X-rays, gamma rays and ultrasound are forms of electromagnetic energy (EM). Their radiation can damage molecules by penetrating them; as such they’re essential tools in medical imaging as it allows doctors to discover bone structure, organs and soft tissues by scattering light to make denser structures appear white on film or digital images.
Numerous epidemiological studies have explored possible links between radio frequency exposure and cancer; however, their conclusions were often inconclusive. Health Canada continues to review peer-reviewed literature and conduct research into potential health impacts caused by radio frequencies. If it becomes evident that levels below those set forth by ICNIRP cause harmful biological interactions, appropriate actions will be taken by government.
