X-Rays
Chiropractors Often Utilize X-ray Studies
Based on the nature
of your condition as well as a number of other factors, x-ray
studies of your spine or injured body part may be indicated.
Doctors of chiropractic receive over 300 hours of x-ray studies
in college prior to graduating and thus are fully trained
to take radiographs and identify subtle abnormalities of
the spine as well as more serious pathologies.
X-rays Are Safe and Provide Valuable Information
X-rays are
a relatively safe and cost effective way to view the structure
and general condition of the spine. They can reveal spinal
regions under high stress and expose areas of degenerative
change. This can often provide essential additional information
which correlates history and examination findings allowing
for a more accurate spinal analysis and a more individualized
and effective treatment plan. X-rays are also useful in assessing
the appropriateness of chiropractic care as they can help to
rule out the existence of more serious pathological processes
such as spinal fractures, tumors and infections which require
immediate emergency medical intervention.
Procedures Used To Minimize Exposure
While prolonged exposure
to radiation can be potentially harmful to the human body,
the diagnostic x-rays utilized by the chiropractic doctor pose
a minimal health risk. In fact, according to radiation guidelines
for diagnostic x-ray studies, it would take more than 300 full
spine x-rays performed by a chiropractor for these guidelines
to be met. In addition, the following steps are used to further
reduce the amount of x-ray exposure: