The Safety of Digital X-Rays
Understanding Radiation in Everyday Terms
What You Should Know:
The safety of digital X-ray technology has come a long way.
Today’s machines use ultra-sensitive sensors that capture clear images with a fraction of the radiation used in older film systems.
X-rays help your chiropractor see what’s happening beneath the surface — guiding hands-on care, exercise programs, and long-term spinal health decisions with precision.
How Much Radiation Is It, Really?
Everyone is exposed to natural background radiation every day — from the ground, the air, and even the food we eat.
The average person in Canada gets about 1.8 mSv per year from these natural sources (that’s roughly 0.005 mSv per day).
Here’s how common digital X-rays compare:
| Type of X-ray | Typical Dose (mSv) | Equal to About… |
|---|---|---|
| Dental X-ray (1 image) | 0.005 | Less than 1 day of natural background |
| Chest X-ray | 0.02–0.1 | About 3–15 days |
| Cervical Spine X-ray | 0.02–0.08 | About 3–12 days |
| Lumbar Spine X-ray | 0.7–1.5 | About 3–6 months |
For comparison: a flight from Toronto to London exposes you to about 0.05 mSv — the same as a few dental or neck X-rays.
Why It’s Considered Safe
✅ Digital sensors require less radiation than old film.
✅ Smart exposure controls automatically limit the dose.
✅ Clinically justified X-rays ensure you’re only imaged when the benefit clearly outweighs the risk.
Bottom Line
A digital X-ray gives your chiropractor valuable insight into your spine’s structure — often at a dose equal to just a few days of everyday background radiation.
Digital x-ray safety is proven, modern, and an important part of personalized spinal care when indicated.
