Are you thinking about making your first trip to the chiropractor? Or have you gone already and are wondering about some of the things they’ve ordered?

Currently, there are more than 700,000 chiropractors globally, and although they all may have their own style, there are a few things they all do similarly. One of those is a chiropractor x-ray.

While only a professional can order an x-ray, we’ll talk about when to expect one and why your chiropractor has decided to order one. We’ll also talk about how chiropractic x-rays can show before and after treatments to show how much better the body is aligned.

Ready to dive into the world of chiropractic x-rays? If so, read on for more.

What Should I Expect At My First Chiropractic Visit? 

At your first chiropractic visit, your chiropractor will discuss with you your problem areas. They may take a history of the problem, and discuss things like your posture at work or other hobbies and activities you may do.

For example, if you spend most of your nights dancing, but you spend all day at the computer for your work, your chiropractor will need to know this to help understand the movements your body performs during the day.

Additionally, they will check your body’s alignment, as well as assess tightness in your muscles. This gives your chiropractor a good idea of your “base” or starting point.

Then, they can form a treatment plan with you that works for your situation and helps improve any pain or discomfort. This may include alignment, other treatments in the clinic, and exercises you can do at home. You may also be asked to work on improving your posture, and they will work with you to establish a plan to do so.

The chiropractor will have an idea in mind of what they can, and cannot, improve with their treatment. A good chiropractor will also know their limits and can refer you to another doctor for further treatment. Many work in tandem with other types of doctors to ensure your overall health is addressed, corrected and then maintained.

What is a Chiropractor X-Ray? 

For most individuals, a chiropractic x-ray is not needed. Generally, people come in to see a chiropractor for existing sports injuries, as well as problems with their posture. Posture problems often result from our modern-day sedentary lifestyles, which put a lot of pressure on the back and neck muscles. Most often, this can be corrected with some adjustments, treatments and at-home exercises, as well as incorporating corrections into your everyday life.

But, that doesn’t mean a chiropractor does not order x-rays. In fact, it is common for people who present more complex issues on the first visit for the chiropractor to order an x-ray. A chiropractor will determine if you need one based on your examination, your history of symptoms and your history of the injury or problem.

Chiropractors do not perform the x-rays themselves. Instead, you’ll be sent to a clinic where a radiologist will perform the x-ray. Depending on where your chiropractor is located, this may be nearby, in the same building, or a completely different location.

What Does a Chiropractor X-Ray Show? 

If a chiropractor wants an x-ray, they will usually take one at the very beginning of treatment. In some cases, this may be done before they do any alignments or treatments.

Depending on your injury or condition, a chiropractor will order an x-ray to ensure that everything looks healthy, and it can show a myriad of things.

Firstly, an x-ray may show a chiropractor where the alignment issue is. This can then help them form a plan of treatment, targeting the specific area in a concrete way instead of having to guess. They may be able to begin treatment immediately after viewing it, and may not need further x-rays.

Sometimes, a chiropractor asks for an x-ray to ensure that they are not working above their depth, or that they do not perform a potentially harmful adjustment. In some cases, the injury may seem like one a chiropractor can fix but may be coming from a dislocation or fracture. Stress fractures, for example, can feel like a nuisance but are more serious than a misalignment.

Additionally, an x-ray can also show if the pain is coming from something like a tumor or undiagnosed scoliosis. If the chiropractor finds something much more serious within the x-ray, they can refer you to another physician to further investigate.

Before and After X-Rays 

Getting chiropractic treatment isn’t like getting a makeover. There isn’t a typical “before and after” that will show amazing jaw-dropping results within the x-ray itself. Instead, the before and after is often how much better the patient feels after their treatment in contrast to how they felt before.

But, a before and after x-ray may be performed in order to ensure that the adjustment or manipulation was done correctly. After a correct manipulation, they should see a marked difference in your x-ray.

Going to the Chiropractor to Improve Your Health 

Going to the chiropractor may or may not involve getting a chiropractor x-ray. But, no matter what, it can help you look and feel much better as you move about your daily life. That’s the end goal of any chiropractor: to ensure that your life is improved from your visit, or visits.