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Digital X-Rays in Mesa & Gilbert, AZ
Advanced Digital Imaging for Chiropractic Evaluation
When you're experiencing back pain, neck pain, or another musculoskeletal problem, a thorough evaluation is important.
In some cases, digital X-rays may provide additional information about the bones, joints, and alignment of the spine.
At The Well Chiropractic Clinic, digital X-rays may be used when clinically appropriate to help evaluate certain musculoskeletal conditions and assist in determining the most appropriate course of care.
Our goal is not to take X-rays on every patient. Instead, imaging is considered based on your history, symptoms, physical examination, and clinical findings.
What Are Digital X-Rays?
Digital X-rays are a form of diagnostic imaging that uses a small amount of radiation to create images of structures inside the body.
In chiropractic care, X-rays are commonly used to evaluate the bones and joints of the spine.
Digital imaging allows images to be captured electronically and reviewed on a computer rather than using traditional film.
Depending on the area being evaluated, digital X-rays may provide information about:
- Bone structure
- Joint spaces
- Spinal alignment
- Degenerative changes
- Certain fractures
- Arthritic changes
- Structural abnormalities
- Changes that may affect treatment decisions
Why Might a Chiropractor Recommend X-Rays?
Not every patient needs an X-ray.
Many common types of back and neck pain can be evaluated without imaging.
However, digital X-rays may be recommended when your history or examination suggests that additional information is needed.
Possible reasons include:
Following Trauma
A fall, auto accident, sports injury, or other trauma may require imaging to evaluate for possible bone injury.
Persistent Pain
If symptoms are not improving as expected or have been present for an extended period, imaging may sometimes be appropriate.
Suspected Structural Changes
X-rays can help evaluate certain structural changes involving the bones and joints.
Neurological or Other Concerning Findings
Certain examination findings may indicate that additional imaging or medical evaluation is necessary.
Treatment Planning
In some cases, imaging may provide information that helps determine whether chiropractic treatment is appropriate and how care should be modified.
What Can Spinal X-Rays Show?
Digital spinal X-rays can provide valuable information about the bony structures of the spine.
Depending on the images taken, X-rays may show:
- Vertebral alignment
- Bone shape and structure
- Certain types of fractures
- Degenerative changes
- Osteoarthritis
- Changes in disc height
- Certain spinal curvatures
- Some structural abnormalities
However, X-rays have limitations.
Standard X-rays do not provide detailed images of muscles, ligaments, nerves, or spinal discs.
If those structures need to be evaluated, other imaging such as MRI may be more appropriate.
Digital X-Rays for Back Pain
Low back pain can have many different causes.
For some patients, a physical examination provides enough information to begin conservative care without X-rays.
However, imaging may be appropriate when there is a history of significant trauma, concerning symptoms, or findings that suggest a possible structural problem.
Digital X-rays may help evaluate the bones and joints of the lumbar spine and identify certain conditions that could influence treatment decisions.
Digital X-Rays for Neck Pain
Neck pain can also have many causes.
If imaging is clinically indicated, cervical X-rays may provide information about the bones, joints, alignment, and certain degenerative changes in the neck.
However, symptoms such as significant weakness, progressive numbness, severe trauma, or other concerning findings may require additional medical evaluation or more advanced imaging.
What Happens During a Digital X-Ray?
The process is generally quick and straightforward.
1. Positioning
You will be positioned based on the area of the body being examined.
2. Image Capture
The X-ray equipment captures images of the targeted area.
You may be asked to hold still briefly while the image is taken.
3. Image Review
The digital images can be reviewed electronically.
4. Discussion
We'll explain relevant findings and discuss whether they affect your treatment plan or whether additional evaluation is appropriate.
Are Digital X-Rays Safe?
X-rays involve exposure to ionizing radiation.
Modern digital X-ray systems are designed to use radiation efficiently, but imaging should still be performed only when the expected clinical benefit justifies the exposure.
The amount of radiation exposure depends on factors such as the body part being imaged, the number of images taken, equipment, and imaging technique.
If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, it is important to inform your healthcare provider before receiving an X-ray.
At The Well Chiropractic Clinic, we consider whether imaging is clinically appropriate rather than recommending routine X-rays for every patient.
Digital X-Rays as Part of Your Chiropractic Evaluation
An X-ray is only one piece of the clinical picture.
Your evaluation may also include:
- Health history
- Discussion of your symptoms
- Physical examination
- Range-of-motion testing
- Orthopedic testing
- Neurological testing
- Movement evaluation
- Review of previous imaging or medical records
We combine relevant information to help determine the most appropriate next step.
Depending on your findings, this may include chiropractic care, conservative treatment, additional imaging, referral, or medical evaluation.
When Might Additional Imaging Be Needed?
Although X-rays can provide valuable information about bones and joints, they do not show every structure or condition.
Depending on your symptoms and examination findings, you may need additional imaging such as:
- MRI
- CT scan
- Other diagnostic testing
For example, MRI may be more useful when evaluating certain conditions involving the spinal discs, nerves, spinal cord, or other soft tissues.
If additional imaging or medical evaluation is appropriate, we'll discuss the recommended next step.
Digital Chiropractic X-Rays in Mesa & Gilbert, AZ
If you're searching for a chiropractor with digital X-rays in Mesa, AZ or Gilbert, AZ, The Well Chiropractic Clinic provides comprehensive chiropractic evaluations and digital imaging when clinically appropriate.
Whether you're experiencing back pain, neck pain, an injury following an auto accident, or another musculoskeletal concern, our goal is to understand your condition and determine the most appropriate course of care.
Not every patient needs an X-ray—but when imaging is necessary, it can provide valuable information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every chiropractic patient need X-rays?
No. X-rays should not be taken routinely on every patient. Whether imaging is appropriate depends on your symptoms, health history, examination findings, and clinical situation.
Can an X-ray show a herniated disc?
Standard X-rays do not directly show a herniated disc. X-rays primarily show bones and joints. MRI is generally better suited for evaluating spinal discs and many soft tissues.
Can I get an X-ray after a car accident?
Depending on the nature of the accident and your symptoms, imaging may be appropriate. Significant trauma or concerning symptoms may require urgent medical evaluation.
Are digital X-rays better than traditional X-rays?
Digital systems allow images to be captured and reviewed electronically. Image quality, radiation dose, and clinical usefulness can vary depending on the equipment and imaging technique.
Can I receive an X-ray if I'm pregnant?
If you are pregnant or believe you may be pregnant, tell your healthcare provider before any X-ray is taken. Imaging decisions during pregnancy should consider the clinical need and potential alternatives.