Why X-rays are seldom needed

Our profession uses the term “misalignment” as a way to make a very complex injury seem simple so that the general public can understand what we do. Rather than explain the details, it is easier to say misalignment. When you receive an adjustment you feel something happening. When you feel better, you would safely assume that you are now “aligned.” The problem is that research has demonstrated that adjustments seldom change the alignment of bone, but rather improve the soft tissues that support the bones. The adjustments create flexibility and pliability so that the spine may move in a healthy biomechanical direction. The research has shown that the static position may not change, but the movement of the vertebra under video fluoroscopy changes radically. This supports that what we are really trying to do is improve joint dysfunction and motion rather than position. This spinal dysfunction can be discovered during the physical exam, not x-ray.

Research with MRI shows that over 60% of PAIN-FREE subjects have herniated discs, bone spurs, degenerative discs, and bulging discs…but they have no pain, zero, nothing. This demonstrates that these findings are often incidental rather than causative of the pain. When a person is in pain and is referred out for MRI and a herniated disc is found the patient believes that the pain is caused from the herniated disc. After treatment with a cortisone shot, therapy, chiropractic, or any other non-surgical therapy, if the patient feels better they are seldom sent for an MRI to see if the herniated disc is gone. If they are, they are surprised to find that the disc herniation is still present, yet they have very little pain. Researchers have tried to explain this by stating that improved function has lessened the pain. In the past we have x-rayed patients with terrible pain…treated them for a month…and when they are out of pain x-ray them again. Often you could place both x-rays on top of one another and there is no change in bone spurs, degenerative disc disease, etc yet they feel better. Why? Because we’ve improved how their spine functions.

Our treatment does not involve twisting, popping, or cracking of the spine. We use very gentle methods. Because we are not using a tremendous amount of force, we do not need x-rays.

X-rays involve radiation. We will only use radiation if it is necessary in your case. If it won’t change our treatment methods, why do it? If we suspect fracture, cancer, or any genetic deformity, we will refer out for x-rays.

So if you suspect that you are “out of alignment” and a chiropractor puts you “in alignment” you are being told a simplified, watered down explanation of what is really happening. If you think that is so, have an x-ray and then receive an adjustment and immediately have another x-ray. You will find very little difference between the two x-rays. Yet you will notice improved flexibility, more relaxed muscles and a greater freedom when you move. That’s the reality of what’s happening during an adjustment.