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X-Rays

X-rays play a vital role in chiropractic. They allow the chiropractic doctor to view your bones and joints with clarity. Chiropractors take x-rays, only to reveal abnormal internal structure and misalignment of the spine, which may be causing functional limitations. They do not order them capriciously or without reasonable merit. Like dentists, chiropractors have always encouraged the idea of early intervention by encouraging "spinal hygiene" instead of waiting until pathology or symptoms set in, as is the way in the medical or allopathic approach to your health. In many cases, caring for an injured patient, without first taking x-rays, is like flying a plane at night without the aid of radar. With x-rays, more can be learned about any possible underlying, unknown disease processes and disorders of the spine such as vertebral subluxation, spinal deterioration, arthritis, abnormal development, bone spurs, disc disorders, tumors and spinal curvature that may be present.

For these reasons, the films can be quite helpful in a chiropractic treatment context. In addition to ruling out pathologies that show up on plain x-ray films, they are also helpful in determining if any contraindications exist to a patient receiving chiropractic treatment. The films essentially show your spinal history and are very helpful in guiding a plan of care, catered to you, that is not only functionally corrective in nature, but highly effective in symptomatic pain relief. When global, postural abnormalities are identified on an x-ray, early intervention with chiropractic care can be most helpful in reducing the likely degenerative changes associated with leaving these distortions unattended. Chiropractic doctors achieve amazingly good results with their patients and x-rays have always been an integral part of the analysis and treatment process.

Even though x-rays are necessary in most cases, chiropractors never disregard the need of using the least amount of radiation exposure as possible. They take every precaution necessary to reduce this exposure risk, including:

• Taking only the most necessary views.
• Using the most up to date x-ray equipment.
• Reducing the amount of energy needed by using
    intensification screens.
• Removing unneeded frequencies by using filtration.
• Employing collimation which narrows the energy
    beam.
• Shortened exposure time by using highly sensitive
    films.
• Shielding sensitive body parts to reduce exposure.
• Regular equipment inspections and licensing.

Common Questions Chiropractic Patients Have About X-Rays.

What do Chiropractor's see on an x-ray? X-rays taken provide the chiropractic doctor a current view of your spinal condition and exhibit a static scenario of your bones and joints, along with related soft tissues, such as muscle or fat. This diagnostic procedure, not only can show you why you feel the way you feel, but can also provide reasons for the lost spinal function and decrease in mobility you may be experiencing. The various normal and abnormal curves of the spine, as well as the severity of changes, that may be occurring in your spinal joints, will also be seen. Based upon these findings and any levels of spinal degeneration that may be revealed, you and your chiropractor can make informed decisions concerning your treatment options.

Do chiropractic doctors x-ray everyone? Some chiropractic adjusting techniques do require x-rays as part of their treatment and diagnostic protocol. However, chiropractors in general do not x-ray every new patient. As a rule, the decision as to whether or not a chiropractor takes x-rays will depend on your case information, as well as what is discovered during your physical examination. X-rays are commonly taken to exclude dislocation and fracture in patients that have suffered a severe trauma. Patients with a history of cancer will also often have x-rays taken to fully identify pathological changes taking place. There is an increase in the frequency of x-rays in older patients, as the likelihood of finding a relevant chiropractic problem is greater. You can be assured your chiropractor will only take x-rays if they are necessary and will be useful in providing you an assessment and solution to your spinal condition.

Are x-rays dangerous? The safety of using x-ray as a diagnostic tool is closely monitored. X-ray equipment must be inspected regularly and meet the yearly standards of national and state regulations. A special type of x-ray film and screens are used that dramatically reduce the radiation dose to you. Due to better technology and equipment, the radiation dose to patients today, is a fraction of what it was only a few decades ago. Chiropractic doctors always compare the slight risks of radiation exposure to the potential benefit that will arise from the information on your films. As with everything today, x-rays may have a negative component, but the potential diagnostic information revealed can go a long way in understanding why you may be experiencing spinal pain and dysfunction.

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