Radiology & Radiological Science

Radiologists are medical doctors that specialize in diagnosing and treating injuries and diseases using medical imaging (radiology) procedures (exams/tests) such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear medicine, positron emission tomography (PET) and ultrasound. Radiologists complete at least 13 years of training, including medical school, a four-year residency, and most often, an additional one- or two-year fellowship of very specialized training, such as radiation oncology, pediatric radiology, or interventional radiology. They are certified by the American Board of Radiology, and they have exacting requirements for continuing medical education throughout their practicing years.

Why Does My Chiropractor Need an X-Ray?

x-ray of the neck by Tebby Chiropractic chiropractor Charlotte NC

In order for a chiropractor to better diagnose your condition, they will need to take a look at what’s going on underneath the surface. X-rays are one of the most widely used diagnostic tools in chiropractic care. Seeing what is happening more closely will allow your chiropractor to better understand your situation, making it possible for them to come up with a more accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan that will be specifically catered to your condition. If you still aren’t convinced that chiropractors need x-rays, keep reading! This article may prove otherwise.

Chiropractic processes

If it’s your first time getting chiropractic care, you need to know that the biggest element of chiropractic care is diagnostic testing. Chiropractors will use multiple techniques in order to best understand what is going on so that they can identify the source of your pain. X-rays are the diagnostic tools most widely used because they allow the chiropractor to see more deeply into your body and internal layout.

X-rays are an important tool for analysis

Chiropractors will use x-rays as a way to get a better idea of a patient’s condition or injury. Through an x-ray, your doctor will be able to pinpoint the exact place that might be having issues and where your pain emanates. They will be looking for any spinal misalignment and any other related injuries in order to diagnose your condition accurately. By knowing exactly what is wrong, your chiropractor will also be able to determine what is needed for treatment.

They will be able to decide the frequency and intensity of care needed for a full recovery. Knowing about or finding any other spinal issues that you might have not been aware of can also help you improve your overall health since they will be able to treat that as well. It is important to diagnose and treat these symptoms as soon as possible because it may just fix whatever else might be wrong with your body. A lot of the time, simply realigning your spine can make a huge difference in the way that you feel.

What chiropractors look for in x-rays

An x-ray will give the chiropractor a clearer view of your spinal health, especially after a car accident. Any abnormalities will be spotted. Your chiropractor will be able to make adjustments and provide treatment to any preceding issues that might have gone untreated. The spine is the most important part of your body, and an x-ray will allow the doctor to see if there are any complications that need to be fixed before any treatment is carried out for your main issue.

X-rays can also help the South Charlotte chiropractor find any bone spurs, cancerous spots, or fractures that can worsen in time or with adjustments. An x-ray may also allow the doctor to see any important characteristics that might be unique to you, such as bone spacing and density. These diagnostic tools also help chiropractors during treatment.

They can be a great visual representation of progress made from treatment. Being able to re-examine the alignment and motion of the spine is all part of the treatment process, and x-rays will help by being physical proof that all is working as it should be. They will also be great for before and after pictures to show treatment progress.

Tebby Clinic provides chiropractic services in Charlotte, NC. Get in touch today to see how we can help with your back pain.

This article is used with permission from Tebby Chiropractic and Sports Medicine Clinic, A Charlotte North Carolina chiropractor.