Specialty Service in Long Beach, California
X-ray imaging can provide useful information about bones, joints, and certain structural changes. At Chiropractic Neurology Center in Long Beach, X-rays may be considered when the history and examination indicate that imaging could help answer a clinical question or influence the next step in care.
X-rays use a small amount of ionizing radiation to create images in which bones and other dense structures are especially visible. They can help identify or further evaluate certain fractures, degenerative changes, joint findings, and other bony conditions.
X-rays do not show every cause of pain or neurologic symptoms. Depending on the clinical question, another type of imaging or medical evaluation may be more appropriate.
Whether imaging is appropriate depends on the patient's history, examination, age, previous imaging, injury history, and the clinical question. Examples of situations that may lead a doctor to consider X-ray imaging include:
Not every new patient needs an X-ray. Avoiding unnecessary imaging is part of choosing the right test for the right clinical question.
An X-ray is interpreted in the context of the history and examination rather than in isolation. If imaging is obtained or prior images are available, the doctor may use that information to help decide whether conservative care is appropriate, whether a technique should be modified, or whether additional evaluation or referral is needed.
If another imaging study or specialist review would better answer the clinical question, the doctor may recommend that instead of, or in addition to, an X-ray.
When X-rays are clinically indicated, positioning and the views selected are based on the clinical question being evaluated. The example below shows the X-ray equipment used in the office and how a patient may be positioned for an image.
The doctor explains why imaging is being considered and what question the X-ray is intended to help answer.
You may be asked to remove metal objects or clothing that interferes with the image. Positioning depends on the body area and the views that are needed.
You will be asked to remain still briefly while each image is obtained. The number of views depends on the clinical question.
The findings are considered together with your examination. If something requires different imaging, medical evaluation, or specialist care, the doctor can discuss the appropriate next step.
The goal is to obtain imaging only when the expected clinical information justifies the examination and to avoid unnecessary repeat studies when prior information is available and adequate.
No. Imaging should be based on the history, examination, and whether the result is likely to affect the clinical decision.
X-rays are especially useful for bony structures. Some disc, nerve, spinal cord, and other soft-tissue conditions may require different imaging or evaluation.
Yes, when available. Prior images and radiology reports may provide useful history and can sometimes reduce unnecessary repeat imaging.
Tell the doctor and imaging staff before any X-ray is taken so the clinical need and appropriate imaging approach can be reviewed.
Chiropractic Neurology Center is located at 1225 E Wardlow Rd, Long Beach, CA 90807. If you have questions about prior imaging, whether to bring an X-ray or MRI report, or whether imaging may be considered during your evaluation, contact the office.
Information only: This page provides general educational information and is not a diagnosis, a guarantee of outcome, or a substitute for individualized medical advice or emergency care.