One of the most common questions we hear at our clinic is: “Do I really need an X-Ray?” We believe that X-rays should only be taken when clinically justified and when the results are likely to enhance and guide your care. Before recommending any imaging, we carefully assess your symptoms and history to determine whether an X-ray will provide meaningful insights—particularly in cases involving persistent, unexplained symptoms or a history of trauma or injury.
Understanding Neck Discomfort: The Impact of Injuries and Posture
Take the neck as an example. It is common for patients to present with symptoms of spinal degeneration, that may have developed over years, sometimes due to accidents or trauma, or years of poor posture— such as using a mobile device or a computer. These factors can progressively alter the natural curve of the neck, known as the ‘cervical lordosis’.
Very often we see a reduced or even reversed cervical curve, which can lead to symptoms such as:
- Frequent Headaches
- Tension in the neck and shoulders
- Rib Pain – under the scapula (shoulder blade)
- Tingling, numbness or weakness in the arms and hands
- Limited mobility of the neck
- Chronic pain
- Postural imbalances
As Chiropractors, we want to find out what’s really causing your symptoms, therefore taking an X-ray gives us a clear picture of what is happening inside your body, we can check the alignment of your spine, if there is any degeneration or damage. This helps us create the safest and most effective plan to help you feel better, we want to address the root cause – not just the symptoms.
The importance of X-Rays within Chiropractic care:
X-Rays are a valuable tool for evaluating spinal health and ensuring safe, effective treatment. Chiropractors often utilise standing X-Rays, which show your spine in a natural, weight-bearing position, which is important for accurately assessing posture and alignment.
Through X-Rays, we can:
- Identify previous injuries, degenerative changes commonly known as wear and tear
- Evaluate spinal alignment, curvature, and joint integrity
- Investigate causes of discomfort, numbness, or weakness
- Ensure it is safe to proceed with spinal adjustments
- Develop a personalised treatment plan tailored on your unique structure
We approach imaging carefully – we will only advise an X-Ray when it serves a clear clinical purpose and supports long term health.
Professional Evaluation Included:
All X-Rays are reviewed by a Radiologist who is registered DACBR (Diplomate of the American Board of Radiology), who provides a detailed, professional report. This expert evaluation is included in the cost of your X-Ray – no hidden fees or unexpected charges.
Could an X-Ray Provide the Insight You Need?
If you are experiencing persistent discomfort, postural challenges, pain, tingling numbness in hands, legs or other parts of the body, an X-Ray might offer the clarity needed to move forward confidently and safely, this would also help to understand if any further investigations may be required such as doctor’s referral or an MRI scan.
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