Diagnostics are very important to quality chiropractic care and x-rays are one of the most commonly used tools. Why? They are non-invasive and really give our chiropractors a chance to see what is going on in your body so that an appropriate course of treatment can be determined. Here’s what you need to know about the use of x-rays at Southmetro Chiropractic Center.
Choosing X-Rays Over Other Methods in Chiropractic Care
When many people think about x-rays, the image of a broken bone or sprain generally comes to mind—not spinal alignment. But many chiropractic clinics around the country use x-ray machines on a regular basis to help diagnose and treat patients.
Of course, this is where many people wonder why they utilize these tools instead of MRIs or CT scans that other doctors do. The truth is that, in most cases, those types of machines are generally way more advanced than necessary, as they are built to see deep inside the body instead of just the skeletal system.
And, when it comes to chiropractic care, seeing all the various elements of the body is not really an issue for doctors who simply want to improve a patient’s neck or back pain. All he or she really has to confirm is the layout of the bones plus any scar tissue in the body to help make a treatment decision. X-rays easily show this without fancy or expensive equipment.
Using X-Rays in Chiropractic Treatment
There are several instances when you might be asked to take an x-ray. The first is on your initial appointment to a chiropractic center. The reason for this is that the doctor wants to take a baseline look at where you currently are to help compare as treatment progresses.
After treatment, your chiropractor might opt to use an x-ray to see where things are in terms of improvement. Often, the results of spinal manipulation and other similar techniques are visible via this type of scan. The doctor then has the ability to make decisions on the need for further treatment.
Not All Chiropractors Use X-Rays
It is important to note that not all chiropractors use x-rays as a diagnostic tool. Since they are highly trained in manipulating the body to achieve optimal spinal alignment, they can often feel where bones and joints are misaligned and need adjustment.
However, severe circumstances sometimes involve a closer look. This is generally when most chiropractors decide to take an x-ray or two to determine what they can’t see or feel from the outside of the body.
Conclusion
In short, x-rays are an important tool for chiropractors to diagnose health conditions and ensure patients are being treated appropriately. While MRIs and CTs are great for pre-surgery use, the non-invasive format of chiropractic care doesn’t require anything more than a simple x-ray for optimum results.
