If you’ve ever visited a chiropractor, you may have been asked to get an X-ray before beginning care. Many people wonder why chiropractors use X-rays and how they contribute to spinal health. Unlike medical X-rays used to detect fractures or diseases, chiropractic X-rays focus on assessing spinal alignment and identifying underlying issues that may be affecting the nervous system.
Dr. Thomas Keogh and his team at Bare Chiropractic use X-rays as a tool to provide safe, precise, and effective chiropractic adjustments. Viewing the structure of your spine helps us develop a care plan made specifically for you.
The Role of X-Rays in Chiropractic Care
A chiro X-ray serves as a window into spinal health, offering insight into the position of vertebrae, spinal curvatures, and any misalignments that may be contributing to discomfort or dysfunction. While not all chiropractors do X-rays, we believe that seeing your spine helps us help you better. X-rays are incredibly beneficial for individuals experiencing chronic pain, postural issues, or a history of trauma, but they assist us in serving our practice members better, so we typically have everyone take X-rays upon beginning their care with us.
Some key reasons chiropractors take X-rays include the following.
Identifying Misalignments and Structural Issues
The spine is the key to supporting the body and protecting the nervous system. Even small misalignments can impact nerve function and lead to discomfort, reduced mobility, or other health concerns. X-rays allow us to pinpoint misalignments and structural imbalances that may not be visible through a physical examination alone. By identifying these issues, we can take a more precise and targeted approach to adjustments.
Detecting Underlying Conditions
While chiropractic care focuses on spinal health, it’s important to rule out underlying conditions that may require a different approach. X-rays can help detect abnormalities such as degeneration, disc issues, arthritis, or past injuries that could influence how we adjust the spine. By identifying these factors early, we can ensure that care is both safe and effective. X-rays also provide a baseline for tracking progress over time, helping us monitor improvements in spinal alignment.
Creating a Personalized Care Plan
Every individual’s spine is unique, and an X-ray provides essential information for designing a care plan that meets specific needs. Whether you have a history of spinal disc injuries, postural imbalances, or chronic discomfort, a chiro X-ray allows us to tailor adjustments to best support your body’s natural healing process. This approach means that you receive the most effective care for your unique spinal health.
Do All Chiropractic Patients Need X-Rays?
Not every chiropractor will take X-rays. For some chiropractors, the decision to take X-rays depends on factors such as symptoms, medical history, and examination findings. At Bare Chiropractic, Dr. Thomas Keogh believes in the famous quote by Dr. Clarence Gonstead, a chiropractic innovator: “To see is to know. To not see is to guess.” We never want to guess with your health, so we take thorough X-rays and do a complete assessment to ensure we are treating you to the best of our abilities.
Experience Comprehensive Chiropractic Care in Billings
X-rays aid in chiropractic care by providing insight into spinal health, allowing for more precise and effective adjustments. If you’re experiencing discomfort or seeking to improve your overall well-being, chiropractic care may help.
Dr. Thomas Keogh, a dedicated Billings chiropractor at Bare Chiropractic, is dedicated to delivering custom care for your health needs. Schedule an appointment today to learn more about how chiropractic care and X-rays can support your health and wellness!
Sources
Kaptoge, S., Armbrecht, G., Felsenberg, D., Lunt, M., O’Neill, T.W., Silman, A.J., Reeve, J., EPOS Study Group. “When should the doctor order a spine X-ray? Identifying vertebral fractures for osteoporosis care: results from the European Prospective Osteoporosis Study (EPOS).” Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, 2004 Dec; 19 (12): 1982-93. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15537441/
