Why do Chiropractors take X-rays?

Doctors of chiropractic are fully trained and in radiography and radiology. This means that we are able to take X-rays and diagnose from the resulting X-ray image. This gives a fantastic advantage that allows us to visualize your spine and take large amounts of information from the X-ray before treatment starts. We can assess the condition of your spine and see if any structural abnormalities are present.

Will all patients be X-rayed?

No, chiropractors have strict criteria and also rely on clinical experience and examination findings when deciding to take X-rays. Here are some of the main reasons chiropractors will choose to X-ray!

1. If examination findings prove inconclusive initially and the source of the patient's pain cannot be easily identified, we will usually X-ray to rule out other causes for your pain.

2. To rule out serious pathologies and fractures that chiropractic cannot help. Spinal fractures are not always caused by accidents and patients may not be aware that they exist. This is particularly common in young and elderly patients. If there is evidence of any condition chiropractic cannot help we will assist you with the correct referral to another healthcare specialist.

3. To access the amount of spinal degeneration. Everybody will have some degree of degeneration in their spine; the amount however will depend on certain factors. It is essential for us to know exactly how much degeneration as this will change your treatment plan.

4. To rule out any spinal congenital anomalies. The spine can often be an area where birth defects can be common and can complicate back pain. The only way we can find out if this information is by taking X-rays.

5. To rule out or to assess osteoporosis, this is particularly important for post menopausal woman.

Are X-rays safe?

All chiropractors are highly trained in radiology and are constantly reviewing the latest research on x-ray exposure. Like any diagnostic intervention if they are used with care they are safe. Before we x-ray, we always determine whether the benefits out way the risks and take all the necessary steps to limit the amount of exposure the patient receives.

Here at the clinic we use the latest in X-ray technology, with a brand new high speed state of the art machine! The high speed machine makes sure that the patient is only ever exposed for as little time as possible (100ths of a second). We will also only ever take views that are absolutely necessary to your specific case and use filters and shielding to protect the sensitive soft tissues from unnecessary exposure.

If you have any further question regarding X-ray safeties please do not hesitate to ask one of our chiropractors!