Why IF your chiropractor is taking X-rays at your first visit you may want to reconsider!
By Andy Park DC,
Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) Specialist.
Why IF your chiropractor is taking X-rays at your first visit you may want to reconsider!
X-rays are not always necessary when you visit a chiropractor…and this is why!
Chiropractic practices are usually focused on evaluating and treating musculoskeletal issues through physical examination and patient history. Generally, unless we suspect a fracture or other urgent structural deficiency, the gold standard for getting a X Ray or a MRI is if you have not improved after six weeks of conservative therapy, then it is appropriate to order one of those advanced imaging modalities. If you are not convinced yet and you still think you need a X-Ray let us get into why you really probably do not need one.
1. Clinical Examination: Chiropractors often rely on detailed physical examinations to diagnose conditions. This includes assessing your postural support mechanisms, range of motion, muscle strength, and palpating the spine and other areas to identify movement dysfunctions.
2. Patient History: A thorough review of your medical history and any symptoms you're experiencing helps chiropractors identify potential issues and decide on the appropriate course of action.
3. Specific Indications for X-Rays: X-rays are typically used when there are specific concerns that might indicate a need for imaging, such as a serious injury, bone abnormalities, or conditions that might contraindicate chiropractic care. For many common issues, such as minor musculoskeletal pain or dysfunction, X-rays may not provide additional useful information.
4. Risk and Radiation Exposure: Minimizing unnecessary radiation exposure is another reason X-rays might not be used routinely. Chiropractors and other healthcare providers often weigh the benefits of imaging against the potential risks of radiation.
5. Response to Initial Treatment: In many cases, if a chiropractor suspects that X-rays might be needed, they may first initiate a trial of conservative care. If there is no improvement or if symptoms worsen, they might then refer you for imaging to gain further insights.
6. Holistic Approach: Chiropractic care often emphasizes a holistic approach, focusing on adjusting and managing the spine and nervous system based on physical findings rather than relying on imaging unless there’s a clear indication for it.
If you have a history of serious conditions, trauma, or if your symptoms are unusual or severe, your chiropractor might refer you for X-rays or other imaging studies to ensure a safe and effective treatment plan.
Why you should find a different chiropractor if they are taking X Rays on your first visit.
Keeping in mind everything that we have just covered it is worth asking yourself why a chiropractor may be requiring an x-ray on all patients as they walk through the door. I can say that part of rationale is simply an outdated approach and mindset.
While at our office and many other evidence and rehab-based clinics we focus on the outcomes and function. Offices that still subscribe to more antiquated treatment approaches are focused more on static structure which is why these types of clinics will order x rays. They will look at your static posture and make all sorts of claims and connections but when the foundational theory behind the why has been shown to be inconsistent at best, in our view point it becomes hard to justify.
Another layer to why someone may order X Rays right away is that if someone is billing insurance, the provider may be approved to see the patient for more visits if they incidentally find some arthritic changes that may be associated with pain but also may not be. More and more data has been coming out about the low correlation rate between symptoms (i.e. pain) and findings on plain film and MRI.
Summary
While admittedly biased, when searching for a high quality chiropractor we suggest finding someone who will not just get you feeling better but will have a thorough understanding of your body and the implications of how you are moving. If someone is X Raying your spine to see if it is “out of alignment” this and similar reasons are not scientifically backed and thus at that point we recommend turning around and finding a different chiropractor for better results.
We hope you found this article to be enlightening! If you’re an athlete or an active individual who is also experiencing an injury or want to improve your performance, then don’t wait any longer. Give us a call (773-296-2766) or text us at (773-692-0670) to book your FREE Discovery call or Movement Assessment today!
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