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Radiation Exposure - Procedurally, how much is too much?

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September 6th, 2011
I have had chronic back pain with acute episodes for close to 20 years. For the past 2-3 years I have been undergoing injections in my back and neck which are done in a 3 injection serious over a 3 month period. Some are epidural steriod injections, some are denervation procedures, but all are done in an operating room, some with and some without sedation, but more importantly, the needles are guided with images that are shot during the procedure via a C-arm. Several are taken during each procedure. My question is, how much radiation is safe over a one year period. I receive at least 6 injections a year, if not 9. I receive other procedures every year, mammograms, mri's, ultrasounds, CT scans, etc. for other illnesses I have. I'm just getting concerned that I'm getting too much exposure. Does anyone know how much is too much?
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barbfraz
replied September 6th, 2011
not sure...my question was similar. I had 36 radiation treatments for breast cancer and wondered about what it does to my body, and then continual test after....
but they are vage answers and quick to say it leaves your body quickly...but I am like you...how much si too much?
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Gaelic
replied September 18th, 2011
Especially eHealthy
On average, a person gets about 3mSv a year in background radiation, if you live at about sea level and do not fly a lot.

The "authorities" state that a maximum of 20mSv a year is safe in terms of needed medical studies. This does not include radiation treatments for cancer, which go above this level. Cancer treatments are a trade off; their levels are higher in an attempt to treat a life threating disease.

Ultrasound and MRI studies do not have any radiation associated with them.

A chest x-ray has about 0.08mSv and a chest CT is about 1.5mSv.

If you are concerned about the amount of radiation you are receiving in the performance of necessary medical treatments, speak with your physician about it.

You can also ask, that the areas of your body, not involved in the treatment, be covered with shielding. The areas most sensitive to radiation are the eyes, gonads, and thyroid. However, with the C-arm, the amount of radiation from scatter is minimal. But, if you want shielding, ask for it.

Good luck.
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