To X-ray or Not to X-ray?
That is the question! We decided to buy a state-of-the-art digital x-ray for the simple reason it’s an objective diagnostic tool. It’s the best affordable way for a doctor to view the 206(+) bones in the human body. “Children are born with 270 bones that fuse until adulthood.” The controversy surrounding x-rays is that Chiropractic is considered conservative care. Therefore, should x-rays be taken initially or wait until a person doesn’t respond to care for approximately 30-days before taking an x-ray? Instead of participating in that argument, we will discuss 3 reasons why x-rays are taken at APEX Chiropractic. There are 3 things you need to know: 1) What is causing the pain or symptoms? 2) Can the cause be corrected or prevented? 3) What is the plan of action and can results be measured?
What is causing my symptoms?
Chiropractors are experts at Neuromusculoskeletal issues! What does that mean? We learn how the 206(+) bones interact with the 600(+) muscles and 95 to 100 billion nerve cells in the human body. Only 9% of nerve tracts are associated with pain so that’s not always a good indicator if you need x-rays or chiropractic care. The human body is in constant state of flux trying to achieve the optimal level of peak performance called homeostasis. We take for granted that our bodies are genetically designed to adapt to its surroundings. Today’s environment is truly a juggernaut of stressors bombarding our bodies. As Chiropractors, we are looking for how the body adapts to stress by looking at your posture, testing your spine, joints, muscles, nerves, and by taking x-rays. We simply detect and correct interference, so the body can function properly! Arguably, the most accurate and objective of these tests performed are x-ray measurements!
The above illustration shows what might be causing symptoms. The figure on the right has decreased curve and disc height, with bone spurs, calcification of ligaments, which all can lead to narrowing of spaces that nerves travel. The results are often pain, reduced mobility and overall decrease in ability to perform normal daily activities.
Can the cause be corrected or prevented?
YES! However, early detection is the key to prevention! Your bones are in a constant state of remodeling! (Read about osteoclasts and osteoblasts if you are interested in physiological science of this phenomenal process.) So, if the bones are constantly remodeling a Chiropractor can help you with detecting and correcting the interference causing the issues! As you might imagine, the above illustration on the right is going to have a lot more work to do than the illustration on the left side.
What can WE do about it?
“That which gets measured gets done.” Therefore, it is imperative that the doctor utilize the proper x-ray equipment to acquire precise x-rays. Resulting in an absolute level of confidence in the accuracy of the x-rays, which leads to proper analysis and, therefore, a proper adjustment for the patient. Each adjustment builds on the last, and if you follow the care plan you should see measurable results!
Dr. Chris Harris
Co-founder of Apex Chiropractic located 10985 Cody St. Ste 100 Overland Park, KS 66210. Phone (913) 499-1010. Dr. Harris is licensed Chiropractor, and has earned specialty accreditation from Upper Cervical Technique, McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy, and Acupuncture Society of America.
