Should Chiropractors Take X-Rays?

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• X-Rays in Chiropractic Care

When it comes to chiropractic treatment, a patient may or may not be required to have an X-ray. In fact, the use of X-rays as part of chiropractic care is often the subject of debate. But that is a topic for another day. On this article we will discuss why chiropractors sometimes need to take X-rays. Many people who seek out chiropractic treatment do not need X-rays. However, there are some chiropractors who use it as part of their standard procedure. This is so they could rule out pathology: for example, avoiding fractured areas or possible tumors.

X-Rays in Chiropractic Care

X-rays can also help the chiropractor determine where to adjust the spine. For mild cases and non-traumatic musculoskeletal issues, the chiropractor may decide that the X-ray is not needed. One study shows that in a sample of 350 X-rays, only 15 percent showed a significant pathology that altered the treatment recommendations. The remaining 85 percent showed no clinically significant findings on the results, rendering the X-ray unnecessary in hindsight. That said, it may be reasonable to consider an X-ray after several weeks if there is no improvement in the patient’s symptoms. There are other situations wherein an X-ray may be recommended due to the patient’s condition. As a general guideline, X-rays are necessary if the patient has sustained a significant traumatic injury. A bone may be broken, or a joint may be dislocated. Standard medical procedures may be necessary for these patients before receiving chiropractic care. A patient who is experiencing pain due to an infection of some sort may also need an X-ray beforehand. This also applies for those with any significant type of disease such as cancer, and as previously mentioned, a possible tumor. Chiropractic care is also a common treatment for patients suffering from joint pain—and this is a condition wherein X-rays are usually recommended. If a type of joint disease is suspected, such as arthritis, an X-ray may help. X-rays are also pretty standard for patients over the age of 50 who is seeking chiropractic care, especially if they’ve gone through any type of physical trauma—including minor ones. Of course, it goes without saying that chiropractors take X-rays for those over the age of 65, regardless of whether they’ve had a recent trauma or not. Of course, people who have been diagnosed with osteoporosis are also subjected to X-rays for about the same reason it is done to the elderly (although this condition is more common among that age group). If you are at risk of osteoporosis, the same rule may apply to you. The bones may become brittle due to this condition, so it is important for chiropractors to rule out possible vertebral fractures caused by osteoporosis. The X-ray plays a key role in this regard. On top of all these, any person with suspected spinal instability usually goes through an X-ray. It’s a standard procedure that helps your chiropractor understand your condition better. This way, they’ll be able to make the proper adjustments that will create the best results. Look for a chiropractor near you today and find out how spinal adjustments can improve your general health.

Should Chiropractors Take X-Rays? Read more on: Dynamic Wellness& Chiro

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