At West Midlands Advanced Chiropractic Clinic in Aldridge, we believe that accurate diagnosis is the cornerstone of effective treatment. Our team, led by Richard Taylor Portland Chiropractor, uses advanced diagnostic tools, including specialized chiropractic X-rays, to assess your spine and create a personalized treatment plan. Many patients come to us after visiting their primary care physician or urgent care centers, only to be told that their X-rays look “normal.” While this might be reassuring, it can also be frustrating, especially if you’re still in pain. Chiropractic X-rays offer a unique perspective on spinal health, enabling us to identify issues that may not appear on traditional medical X-rays.
This article explores how chiropractic X-rays differ from medical X-rays, why they’re essential in chiropractic care, and how Richard Taylor Portland Chiropractor uses them to provide precise, targeted treatment.
Both chiropractic and medical X-rays use similar imaging technology, but the purpose, philosophy, and interpretation of chiropractic X-rays are distinct. Traditional medical X-rays focus on identifying acute issues like fractures, dislocations, tumors, or serious pathologies. In a hospital or urgent care setting, the radiologist often aims to identify immediate health threats requiring quick intervention. Medical X-rays are typically deemed “normal if these signs are absent.”
Chiropractors, on the other hand, take a more holistic approach. We focus on the spine’s alignment, explicitly looking for subluxations (misalignments) that may interfere with nerve function and contribute to pain or dysfunction. Chiropractic X-rays allow us to understand what might be causing chronic pain or discomfort by examining how vertebrae are positioned and identifying any abnormal stress points.
Chiropractic X-rays, primarily focused on the spine, are invaluable in examining:
Spinal Alignment: X-rays taken by We provide a detailed view of the cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), and lumbar (lower back) regions of the spine. By analyzing the alignment of these areas, We can identify misalignments that could be contributing to pain or limiting mobility.
Specific Vertebrae Movement: Chiropractors may take flexion and extension X-rays—images captured as you move your neck or back. These views allow us to assess the motion of individual vertebrae, helping to pinpoint areas of restriction or instability.
Signs of Chronic Stress or Bone Spurs: For many patients with long-term issues like headaches, chronic neck pain, or back discomfort, X-rays may reveal bone spurs or spondylosis, indicating that these issues have developed over time. In some cases, these signs of wear and tear are early markers of underlying spinal health concerns.
By focusing on these specific features, chiropractic X-rays offer a deeper look into the body’s alignment and mechanical function, allowing for a more holistic approach to diagnosis and treatment.
After gathering a thorough history and performing a physical exam, We often recommend a standing spine X-ray. Unlike the typical lying-down X-rays used in medical settings, standing X-rays show the spine under normal weight-bearing conditions. This helps reveal alignment issues that may not be visible in other positions. Once X-ray images are taken, We carefully analyze them, looking for areas where vertebrae may be misaligned or showing signs of chronic stress.
If the X-rays reveal misalignments or subluxations, We may use Diversified and McTimoney techniques to address these issues. By analyzing the X-ray results, he can determine the exact vertebrae that need adjustment, tailoring his approach to achieve optimal results.
At West Midlands Advanced Chiropractic, your initial visit will typically include a comprehensive chiropractic examination, which consists of several components:
Physical Examination: We will begin with a routine physical exam to assess your overall health. This includes measuring vital signs like blood pressure, heart rate, and reflexes, providing a baseline of your current condition.
Orthopedic and Neurological Exam: The orthopedic examination checks for potential structural issues within the spine, joints, bones, and surrounding tissues. The neurological exam assesses the function of motor, sensory, and cranial nerves, helping identify areas where nerve function may be compromised.
Palpation and Range of Motion Testing: We use palpation to feel the spine for areas that may be out of alignment or restricted. Range of motion tests further evaluate how well your neck and back can move, helping our chiropractor understand your flexibility and areas of tension.
Posture and Body Movement Analysis: We assess your posture and regular body movements. Poor posture and abnormal movement patterns can lead to unnecessary stress on the spine and other joints, contributing to pain and dysfunction.
Medical History Review: Understanding your health history, including any past injuries or family medical conditions, is crucial in creating a personalized care plan.
Standing Spinal X-Rays: Standing X-rays allow us to see the spine under typical load-bearing conditions. This is essential in understanding how your posture and daily activities affect your spinal alignment.
Patients often come to West Midlands Advanced Chiropractic after receiving “normal” results from medical X-rays, feeling frustrated that their pain has not been explained. This is especially common for individuals experiencing chronic conditions like headaches, neck pain, or low back pain without a history of acute trauma. When We examine X-rays, he looks beyond obvious fractures or pathologies, instead focusing on areas where subluxations may be causing stress.
For example, in cases of chronic headaches, chiropractic X-rays often reveal issues such as a loss of cervical curve or bone spurs. These findings indicate long-standing misalignments that put pressure on nerves and muscles, contributing to pain. With this insight, We can identify specific vertebrae that need attention and use adjustments to relieve the underlying cause of your symptoms.
In cases where spinal movement is restricted, We may take additional X-rays, known as flexion and extension views. These X-rays capture images of the spine as you bend forward and backward. By comparing these images, We can see if any vertebrae are not moving as they should, a common issue in patients with chronic pain or limited mobility.
This information allows our chiropractor to plan targeted adjustments, restoring proper movement and alleviating pain. The unique diagnostic capability of flexion and extension X-rays is especially valuable for conditions that involve restricted spinal motion, such as chronic neck or lower back pain.
Based on the examination and X-ray analysis, We will recommend a specific chiropractic approach tailored to your needs. Two of the primary techniques he may use are the Diversified Technique and the McTimoney Technique:
Diversified Technique: Known for its high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) adjustments, the Diversified Technique involves precise, hands-on adjustments to specific areas of the spine. Our chiropractor uses this technique to realign vertebrae, causing nerve compression, reducing pain, and restoring joint function. The Diversified Technique is especially effective for patients dealing with back pain, neck pain, and other joint issues.
McTimoney Technique: This gentle approach is ideal for patients who prefer a softer adjustment. The McTimoney Technique uses quick, low-force adjustments to realign the spine, relieving nerve pressure and improving overall spinal alignment. It is particularly well-suited for patients with headaches, shoulder pain, and arthritis, offering a comfortable yet effective treatment option.
Chiropractic X-rays do more than provide a diagnosis; they offer insight into your long-term health by revealing underlying issues that may not yet be causing symptoms. Chronic stress responses in the spine, like bone spurs or spondylosis, often develop over years due to misalignment. Early detection through chiropractic X-rays allows Us to address these issues proactively, helping you maintain optimal spinal health.
By focusing on preventive care, We aim to help you avoid recurring pain and the need for more invasive treatments. Chiropractic adjustments based on X-ray analysis support better posture, increased mobility, and reduced likelihood of future injuries.
While medical X-rays can help diagnose acute injuries, chiropractic X-rays offer a unique perspective supporting a holistic care approach. Richard Taylor’s emphasis on alignment and functional assessment enables him to develop a treatment plan that goes beyond symptom relief, addressing the root cause of your discomfort.
If you’ve been told that your X-rays look “normal” but are still experiencing pain, it’s time to consider a chiropractic examination. Our approach involves combining X-rays with techniques like Diversified and McTimoney, which provides a customized plan to help you achieve lasting relief and improved quality of life.
Here are answers to some common questions about chiropractic X-rays to help you understand this unique diagnostic approach:
Yes. While the technology is similar, chiropractic X-rays focus on alignment and the function of the musculoskeletal system rather than detecting disease or trauma.
Typically, X-rays are taken during your initial visit to assess spinal health. Follow-up X-rays are only necessary if We need to monitor progress or address new issues.
Yes, chiropractic X-rays are safe, especially when used sparingly and only when clinically necessary. We ensure that X-rays are taken only when they provide valuable diagnostic information.
By assessing spinal alignment, chiropractic X-rays can reveal stress responses in the vertebrae that may contribute to tension and neck or head pain. Addressing these issues with targeted adjustments can often effectively relieve headaches and neck pain.
If you’re experiencing chronic pain, headaches, or limited mobility and have been told that everything looks “normal,” chiropractic X-rays might provide the answers you need. At West Midlands Advanced Chiropractic, Richard Taylor Portland Chiropractor and our team are dedicated to finding the root cause of your discomfort and helping you achieve lasting relief through a customized, data-driven approach.
Contact us today to book your comprehensive chiropractic examination, including a personalized X-ray assessment. Our team is ready to help you start your journey toward a pain-free, healthier life. Call us at 01922 456 700 to schedule your consultation and take control of your health.
Describe what you are dealing with, and we’ll let you know the best steps to find the cause and help you recover.
Or Call Us Now!
