Do All Highlands Ranch CO Chiropractic Patients Need X-Rays or MRI’s?

A common question when new patients call into our Highlands Ranch chiropractic office is whether or not we will do any imaging (x-rays, cat scans, MRI’s.) Most people are seem concerned (as they should be) about the “radiation” from certain types of medical imaging. The answer to this question isn’t a simple black and white answer. It depends on the condition, how long it has been there and if there has been any major trauma like a broken bone or a severe car accident.

For the most part, we don’t usually take x-rays for most patients and conditions that walk in our door. Through a chiropractic examination which includes range of motion testing, orthopedic checks, leg length and posture analysis, and other basic tests we can usually tell which vertebrae and joints seem to be causing your problem. In severe cases like a very recent car accident, we might need to take x-rays to make sure there are not any fractures and/or dislocations. In these cases, we would not want to deliver a chiropractic adjustment and cause the patient more discomfort. On the other hand, we would only want to take the x-rays if there is a good reason for it. We are bombarded with different radiation on a daily basis and we would not want to add in any unnecessary radiation for no apparent reason.

What I explain to most of our patients is to get a couple weeks of chiropractic treatments and let’s see where you are at. After 5 or 10 chiropractic treatments, most of our patients are 75% - 100% better and on their way. In the rare case where your symptoms and pain do not seem to be going away, then at that point we may advise to get the proper imaging done whether that is an x-ray, MRI, etc. This will help us take a look inside and see if there is anything going on that is hindering your body’s natural healing process.

In some cases, you have already had an x-ray or MRI done at your primary care provider or the hospital. In this case, feel free to bring them to our office, we will examine the x-ray and explain to you exactly what we see and what is causing your issues. Most doctor’s offices have digital x-rays and MRI’s so you will be able to take your results with you on a CD disc. It is as simple as throwing that disc into our computer and taking a look at your imaging and going over it with you. Don’t let the fear of x-rays deter you from coming to our Highlands Ranch Chiropractic Clinic. As I mentioned before, an overwhelming majority of the time we will not need any unnecessary x-rays to get you back on your feet to good health.