Chiropractors Often Utilize X-ray Studies
X-rays Are Safe and Provide Valuable Information
Procedures Used To Minimize Exposure |
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X-rays
Chiropractors Often Utilize X-ray Studies
Based on the nature of your condition as well as a number of other factors, x-ray studies of your spine or injured body part may be indicated. Doctors of chiropractic receive over 300 hours of x-ray studies in college prior to graduating and thus are fully trained to take radiographs and identify subtle abnormalities of the spine as well as more serious pathologies.
We take only the most necessary views
- Use the most up to date equipment
- Intensification screens reduce energy used
- Filtration removes unneeded frequencies
- Collimation narrows the energy beam
- Sensitive films shorten exposure time
- Shielding protects sensitive body parts
- Regular equipment inspection and licensing
Both visible light and X-rays consist of photon particles conveyed over electromagnetic energy. When carefully controlled, this energy can be used to reveal the internal structure of the body. We find these pictures quite helpful:
- Provide a structural record of your spine
- Rule out cancer, disease or other pathologies
- Locate fractures or other signs of trauma
- Identify evidence of long term spinal decay
- Confirm other examination findings
Interestingly, X-rays were discovered soon after the first chiropractic adjustment in 1895. Wilhelm Roentgen, a German physics professor, was experimenting with cathode ray tubes and discovered that an object across the room began to glow. Much to his surprise, when he placed his hand between the tube and the glowing barium screen, he was able to see the bones of his hand.
From those crude beginnings over a century ago, both chiropractic and X-ray imaging have come a long way. Today, the chiropractic profession is a leader in the reduction of X-ray exposure and patient safety.
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X-rays Are Safe and Provide Valuable Information
X-rays are a relatively safe and cost effective way to view the structure and general condition of the spine. They can reveal spinal regions under high stress and expose areas of degenerative change. This can often provide essential additional information which correlates history and examination findings allowing for a more accurate spinal analysis and a more individualized and effective treatment plan. X-rays are also useful in assessing the appropriateness of chiropractic care as they can help to rule out the existence of more serious pathological processes such as spinal fractures, tumors and infections which require immediate emergency medical intervention.
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Procedures Used To Minimize Exposure
While prolonged exposure to radiation can be potentially harmful to the human body, the diagnostic x-rays utilized by the chiropractic doctor pose a minimal health risk. In fact, according to radiation guidelines for diagnostic x-ray studies, it would take more than 300 full spine x-rays performed by a chiropractor for these guidelines to be met. In addition, the following steps are used to further reduce the amount of x-ray exposure:
- Only necessary x-ray views will be taken eliminating unnecessary x-ray exposure
- Shielding & filtration to block or reduce the x-ray beam from affecting sensitive tissues and areas of nondiagnostic interest
- Rare earth (intensifying) screens can cut x-ray exposure by 50 percent
- Collimation to narrow the x-ray beam to include areas of interest only
- Grids to reduce scatter radiation and improve x-ray quality
- High speed film lowers exposure time by up to 1/12th compared to "hospital" x-rays
- Increasing kilovoltage and minimizing milliamperage further reduces x-ray dosage
- Minimal exposure times of just 100ths of a second
- Regular changing of processor chemicals to give high quality, diagnostic films
- 1988 Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors - Plaugher G. Textbook of Clinical Chiropractic: A Specific Biomechanical Approach. Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins, 1993.
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