Your Guide To X-rays At The Chiropractor
For first time patients at the chiropractor’s office, it might be difficult to know what to expect. One of the most important aspects of your appointment may be the diagnostic session. When you enter the office suffering from neck or back pain, the chiropractor will seek to diagnose the source of your pain. Otherwise, he or she may not know how to properly treat your pain. In diagnosing your condition, the chiropractor must have a full understanding of your musculoskeletal system.
To find out what is happening in your system, your physician may choose to perform an x-ray.
Why Do Chiropractor’s Use X-rays?
Chiropractors rely heavily on x-rays for chiropractic care. This is a great way for chiropractors to get a better look at the body’s internal function. While there are other imaging technologies that give a deeper look, these are often used if a doctor is preparing for surgery. When it comes to chiropractic care, you are not going to be undergoing any surgery. This means that the doctor only needs to see your bones and the basics of what an x-ray shows.
Will Chiropractor’s Use Other Imaging Technologies?
There are other technologies that a chiropractor may use in diagnostics. This is not as common, however. Most of the time, the x-ray will be more than enough. If the back or neck pain is more complex, then the doctor may order an MRI for the patient. This will allow the chiropractor to see any malalignment or soft tissue injuries.
Do All Patients Need an X-ray
There are situations where you will not need an x-ray. In a lot of instances, the chiropractor can examine your body and figure out what is happening in your musculoskeletal system. However, if you have scoliosis, spinal stenosis, osteoporosis or any other serious condition, then it is more likely that your doctor is going to want to have an x-ray done. In most cases, an x-ray can only help you get a proper diagnosis and treatment.
To suffer from neck or back pain can be alleviated by a visit to your chiropractor. While some chiropractors may diagnose you without the use of any imaging technology, there are some conditions that require the use of x-rays. It is important that if you suffer from neck or back pain that you set up an appointment with a chiropractor, such as from Mid-Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic, as soon as possible to help alleviate your discomfort.