What’s the point of x-rays for chiropractic care?

X-rays: a blueprint for health

Principled chiropractors and spinal specialists have good reason to take x-rays:

• It’s a diagnostic tool that allows him or her to take a detailed look below the surface and see what’s going on in your spine. Which is exactly the same reason why dentists’ use x-rays too. It’s all about getting an accurate picture of your bone structure.
• Taking an x-ray of your spine while you are standing, enables chiropractors to see misalignments as they occur and to identify where this is creating strain on your body, or even obstructing the natural flow of your central nervous system. This wouldn’t be possible if you were laying down for your x-ray.
• Taking an x-ray prevents your chiropractor from making pre-existing conditions worse. What if your painful shoulder wasn’t due to muscle strain at all. What if you had a fracture? It’s really important to you and your chiropractor that you have a clear understanding of your current physiology before any treatment begins. An x-ray gives your chiropractor the information they need to determine which method of spinal adjustment would be most appropriate for you.
• You can be a better informed patient if you can see the condition of your spine at the start of your treatment and see a comparative x-ray a year or more later. It’s another measure of the effectiveness of your treatment.

These are all good reasons for having an x-ray. However, if you don’t want one, just say so – don’t mistake your chiropractor’s enthusiasm for their profession for pressure. There are other diagnostic options and your chiropractor will be happy to discuss these with you.