Plain Film Radiography

Specialized chiropractic weightbearing X-rays of your whole spine will be taken.  The frontal view is taken in one piece and is the ONLY way to determine exactly how many vertebrae you have.  The typical number are:

• 7 cervical (neck) segments;
• 12 thoracic (mid back with ribs);
• 5 lumbar (low back) segments.

Since the Gonstead doctor wants to be as specific as possible in analysis and treatment, this information is vital in order to avoid adjusting the wrong segment when counting by palpation to the exact vertebral subluxation. All required measures are taken to insure the exposures are taken with the least amount of radiation via the use of high speed screens, collimation, gonadal shielding and automatic chemical processing.  These xrays will show the following:

• look for signs of pathology and fractures
• condition of each disc and joints in the spine
• any abnormalities you where born with
• your posture and its curves and how your body reacts to the forces of gravity

Taking into consideration all the x-ray findings, your chiropractor also takes into account your condition and examination and plans the specific adjustment required to correct your subluxation.

X-Rays and Ionising Radiation

X-rays are a form of energy similar to radiowaves and sunshine. Commonly, they are used to view the bony structures of the body to rule out any pathology, and in particular to Chiropractors, a means of biomechanical analysis.  Other forms of diagnostic imaging include:

• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging ) which use strong radiowaves and magnets to create the picture.
• CT scans (Computerized Axial Tomography) is a 3D X-ray. These can provide more information on bone and soft tissure.

These scans are often used by medical practitioners however are not as useful to Chiropractors as a full spine X-ray. The reason being that the spine is a weightbearing structure and hence needs to be analysed in such a manner. Your Gonstead Chiropractor will take a FULL SPINE X-ray in a weightbearing (standing) position to accurately 'see' your spine's condition.

Does Everyone Require X-rays?

Unfortunately without X-rays we can not visualise the bony structures, ie vertebrae, of the spine. So if a subluxation is the cause of your problem then an X-ray is essential in determining the most precise way to correct it.

However in certain circumstances an X-ray may not be taken. Children's bodies are constantly developing and changing, therefore X-rays are only taken in select cases. Also, pregnant women will not be X-rayed. PLEASE NOTIFY YOUR CHIROPRACTOR EVEN IF YOU SUSPECT YOU ARE PREGNANT.

Benefits of an X-ray:

• Rules out pathology
• Important visual record of the spine
• Determines the biomechanical status of each spine
• Identifies areas of spinal decay/degeneration
• Confirms examination findings
• Informs the Chiropractor the direction of misalignement. This allows maximal correction of the subluxation, quickly allowing the patients to return to optimal health.

Minimizing Exposure to X-rays:

• Only the necessary views are taken
• The latest up-to-date equipment is utilized
• Regular manditory government inspection and testing of site
• Sensitive high speed film shortens the exposure time
• Highly accurate electroninc timing
• Luminescent screens amplify the image
• Filters and collimation limit the beam to areas required
• Shields protect sensitive body parts, for example gonads and eyes
• Pre X-ray measurement to decrease the amount of X-rays required to minimise the number of exposures required.