Diagnostic Imaging
Diagnostic Imaging Near You
Persistent pain, an injury, or changes in how your back, neck, or joints feel can sometimes raise questions that a physical examination alone cannot answer. Diagnostic imaging may provide additional information when there is a clear reason to look more closely.
At The Feel Good Doc, Dr. Walter E. Mendoza and our team use diagnostic imaging near you as one part of a broader evaluation. We consider your symptoms, health history, examination findings, previous injuries, and any imaging you already have before deciding whether additional images may be useful.
What Is Diagnostic Imaging?
Diagnostic imaging creates pictures of structures inside the body. Different types of imaging show different tissues and can answer different clinical questions.
For musculoskeletal care, imaging may provide information about bones, joints, spinal structures, and certain soft tissues.
We do not interpret an image in isolation. We consider the findings alongside your symptoms, medical history, and physical examination.
When May Diagnostic Imaging Be Helpful?
Imaging is not automatically necessary for every episode of back, neck, or joint pain. We may consider it when the results could help answer a specific question or affect your care.
Reasons imaging may be considered include:
Pain following a significant fall, accident, or direct impact
Concern about a possible fracture
Severe, persistent, or worsening symptoms
Certain neurological symptoms
Scoliosis evaluation or monitoring
A known condition that requires follow-up
Examination findings that need further investigation
Symptoms that have not improved as expected
Many uncomplicated cases of short-term back or neck pain can be evaluated without immediate imaging.
What Types of Imaging May Be Used?
The type of imaging depends on what needs to be evaluated.
Digital X-Rays
Digital radiography uses electronic sensors to create X-ray images. It is commonly used to evaluate bones, joints, fractures, spinal structure, and certain alignment changes.
MRI
MRI can provide detailed images of soft tissues, including discs, nerves, muscles, ligaments, and other structures. It may be considered when symptoms or examination findings suggest that more detailed soft-tissue information is needed.
CT
CT imaging produces detailed cross-sectional images and can provide additional information about bone and other structures in selected situations.
If advanced imaging is appropriate, we can explain why we’re considering it and discuss the next steps for obtaining it.
What Can Imaging Tell Us?
Imaging can help identify or evaluate certain structural findings, but it does not always explain why you are experiencing pain.
For example, some changes seen on an X-ray or MRI may also be present in individuals who have no symptoms. That is why we compare imaging findings with your history, symptoms, and examination rather than treating the image itself.
Our goal is to use imaging when it adds meaningful information to your evaluation or treatment planning.
What to Expect if You Need an X-Ray
Before recommending an X-ray, we review your symptoms, medical history, previous injuries, and any relevant images or reports you already have.
If you need an X-ray, we may ask you to stand, sit, or lie in a specific position while we take images. You will need to remain still briefly so the images are clear.
X-rays use ionizing radiation, so we recommend them only when there is a clinical reason. Tell us if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant before imaging is performed.
Should You Bring Previous Imaging?
Yes. If you have previous X-rays, MRI, CT reports, or other relevant records, bring them.
Previous imaging can provide useful background, allow us to compare changes over time, and may help avoid unnecessary repeat testing.
Let us know when and where your previous imaging was completed so we can determine whether it may still be useful for evaluating your current symptoms.
Imaging After an Injury
Dr. Mendoza has experience evaluating sports, auto, and work-related musculoskeletal injuries. Depending on the type of injury and your examination findings, imaging may be helpful to rule out certain injuries or provide additional information.
Imaging is only one part of an injury evaluation. We also consider how the injury affects your movement, strength, function, and ability to work or return to activity.
If your symptoms suggest that another type of medical evaluation is needed, we can discuss the appropriate next step.
When Should You Seek Prompt Medical Attention?
Some symptoms require urgent evaluation rather than waiting for routine diagnostic imaging.
Seek prompt medical care for major trauma, severe or rapidly worsening weakness, significant loss of sensation, new loss of bladder or bowel control, or other serious neurological symptoms.
Why Choose The Feel Good Doc?
Dr. Mendoza has been practicing since 2003 and takes a personalized approach to musculoskeletal care. We use imaging to support clinical decision-making rather than as a routine step for every concern.
When you visit us, you can expect:
Individualized evaluation based on your symptoms, history, movement, and goals
Digital radiography when X-rays are clinically appropriate
Experience with sports, auto, and work-related injuries
Clear explanations about why imaging is or is not being recommended
A broader approach to care that considers imaging alongside your examination and overall function
A friendly, professional environment where you can ask questions about your results and next steps
After serving Long Island through our established Freeport and Massapequa locations, we are also bringing the same personalized approach to Centereach and the surrounding Suffolk County community.
Find Diagnostic Imaging Near You
If you are looking for diagnostic imaging near you, we can evaluate your concerns and determine whether imaging may provide useful information for your care.
Centereach: 1973 Middle Country Rd., Space 11, Centereach, NY 11720
Freeport: 31 Guy Lombardo Ave., Freeport, NY 11520
Massapequa: 5372 Merrick Rd., Massapequa, NY 11758
For Freeport or Massapequa, call (516) 213-4610. For Centereach, call (631) 519-9907.
FAQs
Does everyone need an X-ray?
No. We recommend imaging when it may help answer a specific clinical question or affect your care. Many musculoskeletal concerns do not require immediate X-rays.
Are digital X-rays different from traditional X-rays?
Both use X-rays to create images. Digital radiography uses electronic sensors instead of traditional film, allowing the images to be viewed and stored digitally.
Can I bring previous X-rays or MRI results?
Yes. Bring previous images or reports when available. They may provide helpful background and reduce the need for repeat imaging.
Will imaging show exactly what is causing my pain?
Not always. Imaging can show structural findings, but those findings do not always explain symptoms. We interpret the images together with your history and examination.
Do you offer MRI or CT imaging?
If MRI or CT imaging is needed, we can explain why we’re considering it and discuss the appropriate next steps for arranging the imaging.
Is an X-ray safe during pregnancy?
X-rays use ionizing radiation, so tell us if you are pregnant or may be pregnant before imaging. We can determine whether the imaging should be delayed or modified based on your circumstances.