Any x-ray exposure, exposes you to radiation. The type of x-ray determines the amount of exposure.

Like anything else, the risk/benefit ratio needs to be used to determine whether an x-ray should be done.

X-rays are usually very low dose and don' normally pose much of a risk. It is the accumulated exposure that is talked about.

Why does your company want you to have another lumbar x-ray?

Why have you had one done before?

Are they looking for a problem or do you have a spine problem now?

Fran

No help at all sorry

not sure what you mean by your response

Fran

The question was LUMBAR XRAYS how often can you get them and the risk factor?
Like if I had last year, Or the year before can I have xrays again this year?
Sandy.

And my question to you was very simple. Why does your employer want you to have lumbar x-rays in the first place, and why, if you had one last year do they want you to have one this year.

x-rays are not routinely done for any kind of physical unless there are underlying medical conditions that warrant an x-ray.

There is always the concern with any kind of radiation exposure and any that are not necessary for the health and diagnosis of a person is not done.

What where the results of your lumbar x-rays from last year?

Do you see a spine surgeon for any kind of spine issues? If so, then it should and would be a spine surgeon that would have you get lumbar x-rays.

Otherwise, I would strongly question the reason for the lumbar x-rays and refuse to have them done by your employer. I would tell them that if they suspect a spine problem then they should tell you and you will seek advise and opinion from a spine surgeon as do what your employer suspects is a spine issue.

If they are attempting to require all employees to have lumbar spine x-rays to be able to prove that an employee has "pre-existing" spine problems in the event of a work related spine injury, then I would be talking to your state attorney general's office about this.

Forcing employees to be exposed to x-ray radiation as part of an annual employee physical I don't believe is legal and certainly shouldn't be.

Fran

Hi Fran.
I work in Brazil on contract to Petrobras, they make the rules here like my weeks first aid course in Aberdeen was no good to them 6 hours with 3 stops for coffee and that is OK with them, My survival course in Arerdeen no good do it here, I did my fire team leaders course in Montrose another week on good here in Brasil the overalls did not come back from the cleaners till 11.00 got on a bus to the fire station 01.30 was in the café course completed.
My last Xray's was clear or I would not still be working here Yes every one has to undergo this and no need to see a spine surgeon as every thing was good.
Thank you for your help.
It is 09 43 pm I started work at 05 10 am this morning and still working as my main generator engines are over heating.
Again thank you.
Sandy.

Sandy,

I understand that this is your job and not in the US, but rather in Brazil.

I also realize that the economy is tuff right now all over the world.

On the other hand, a company any where in the world that is forcing employees to undergo needless radiation is uncalled for.

the risks may be minimal, but they are risks.

It's one thing to have to have the exposure for medical reasons, but to have that exposure and increased risk to satisfy an employer, big business, is just beyond belief.

Personally, I would refuse the x-rays and find another job. There is no way I would risk my life like that for any job or pay check.

Fran