Why Chiropractic Care May Require an X-Ray
The first time you go to a chiropractor you may be surprised to learn that some will ask to take a chiropractic x-ray. After all, isn’t a chiropractic examination primarily a hands-on thing? It is indeed. But, in some cases a thorough practitioner is going to want to make sure that he or she has the correct diagnosis before beginning treatment. Dr. Steven Schram does not require X rays for every first time patient. The need for an x-ray would only be determined after a thorough chiropractic examination, and a full discussion about your symptoms, history and analysis of the pain or discomfort you are feeling.
A chiropractic examination begins with looking at movement and posture. Then a physical exam of your spine and neck follows. This checks the range of motion of every vertebra and also uses palpation to find hidden areas of tenderness or misalignment. With intuitive and experienced hands, Dr. Schram will apply a gentle pressure to the vertebrae and surrounding tissue, looking for root problem. Of course, there are conditions that even the most experienced chiropractor can’t see or feel with their diagnostic touch. If Dr. Schram feels a need to rule something out, or confirm a troublesome diagnosis, he may recommend that you have a chiropractic x-ray taken.
X-rays can reveal what the eye cannot see, deep into surrounding areas where the trouble seems to be. However, the majority of complaints that draw people to chiropractors in the first place are simply caused by misalignments of the vertebrae. After the correct chiropractic diagnosis, in many cases a professional, manual adjustment is enough to begin treating the problem. However, in some situations, specialized equipment may be used to ensure that the treatment goes as deeply as it needs to to bring relief.
Certain conditions — like malignant growths, infections, and some kinds of inflammation — need to be treated by a different kind of doctor. This is one reason why an x-ray might become part of the initial chiropractic examination, to rule these types of problems out. If need be, Dr. Schram will refer you to a medical practitioner for further diagnosis.
There are many good reasons for chiropractors to take X- rays. Serious sports or other injuries, or more minor injuries for those over 70 (whose joints and bones are more fragile) may involve a fracture, which contra-indicates manipulation. Also, If a patient has had persistent trouble, even after many chiropractic treatments, it may be best to take an X ray to rule out more serious undiagnosed problems. If the pain is the result of serious trauma like a car accident, an X ray may also be needed early on.
A good chiropractic examination can determine what the problem is, and sometimes more importantly what it isn’t. Dr. Steven Schram is known for being able to diagnose root causes of pain and discomfort, which can be some distance from the “symptom” area. He may very well look at an x-ray to confirm a diagnosis of a troubled area, but is not one to order an x-ray as a standard procedure. More serious misalignments may require an x-ray so that the true root cause becomes visible to the eye. It is sometimes important to narrow down a problem to a detailed, specific lumbar or cervical area. That means more specific treatment, and better, faster results.
If you do not need a diagnostic x-ray, the good news is that Dr. Steven Schram will begin treatment on your first visit.
Dr. Steven Schram might not be Superman, but he is an astute observer that can see things that are motion related and don’t show up on an x-ray. He is committed to making each and every patient feel Super. Help your body heal itself with great chiropractic care by calling Dr. Steven Schram today at 212 696-4426.
