Duncan Chiropractic Group Newsletter

From Your Howell Michigan Area Chiropractor

X-Rays Show Chiropractic Patients What's Going On

Dr George Traitses

"Showing patients their x-rays helps them take a big step toward recovery because they are able to visualize their spinal condition and work toward their own healing mentally, as well as physically," says Dr. George I. Traitses, a chiropractor with his own private practice and who handles media liaison for the Ontario Chiropractic Association (OCA).
In fact, chiropractors use all of the tools available to them today, to gather as much information, as cost-effectively as possible, to best evaluate each patient's condition. X-ray technology plays an important role in this process.

"We use x-rays when an individual's symptoms, personal history and the physical examination indicate that more information would be desirable. X-rays often can provide the additional evidence required for complete diagnosis and proper treatment," Dr. Traitses, says.

For instance, x-rays findings can help determine the type, frequency and amount of force to apply when adjusting individuals with certain conditions. In some cases, (e.g. a dislocation or fracture or a medical condition, such as cancer), it may not be appropriate to administer a chiropractic adjustment at that specific area of the body. For patients with specific conditions -- such as disc thinning, degenerative changes, or spondylolisthesis -- the chiropractor would alter the type and amount of force with which the adjustment is made.

However, the x-ray also may show the spine to be in fine shape for the patient's age and condition and so perfectly acceptable for regular chiropractic treatment.

Chiropractors use x-rays judiciously, when the benefits of gaining the information outweigh any risk of exposure. For instance, only "views" of the affected area would be obtained, rather than a pre-determined set of poses.

Frequently, what the chiropractor needs to know is best shown in an x-ray of the entire spine, one that shows postural relationships and the effects of gravity on weight-bearing areas (e.g. lumbar spine or pelvis). Chiropractic education today includes courses in all aspects of taking and interpreting x-rays.

Following treatment, x-rays can be very useful for assessing and re-evaluating the patient's condition. It is helpful that modern equipment and technology involve far lower levels of exposure to radiation than in the past.

In all cases, however, the x-rays themselves are a valuable teaching tool, enabling the chiropractor to help the patient understand that the pain and other symptoms they experience are the result of their condition (e.g. degenerative disk disease) but are not the problem in themselves.

"Once people achieve this level of comprehension, they are better able to be involved in their treatment, to go beyond simple improvement of their symptoms," Dr. Traitses, says.

Chiropractors are licensed as doctors, authorized to diagnose and treat conditions concerning the spine, muscle and nervous systems. Chiropractors work to promote optimal health and wellness through positive lifestyle changes. The OCA is a voluntary membership organization representing some 1,800 Ontario chiropractors. The objectives of the association include public education and research devoted to improving the quality of health care for the citizens of Ontario.