Do I Need An X-ray When I Have Back Pain? 

 

At the Swindon Chiropractic Clinic we have state of the art digital x-ray facilities. However, in most cases of non-traumatic musculoskeletal pain, an x-ray is not necessary.

Once you have undergone a thorough examination there are some situations when an x-ray may be required:

- If we suspect a broken bone.

- If we suspect a dislocated bone.

- If we suspect there could be an underlying infection within the tissues.

-  If we suspect there could be a major pathological process such as cancer within the tissues.

-  If we know of, or suspect, an underlying arthritic or autoimmune condition.

-  If we need to monitor the progression of scoliosis (a side bend in the spine).

-  If pain has not responded as anticipated after a course of treatment.

-  If the person is over 65 years of age.

-  If we think that the information we get from the x-ray will change how we treat the patient or help to guide our prognosis.

An x-ray is not required if we suspect the problem only involves your muscles, tendons, or ligaments (soft tissues don’t show up well on x-ray).

What happens if I do need an x-ray?

If required you will most likely have posterioanterior (called PA) and lateral view x-rays for your low back pain. The PA view is a back through to front image taken when you are facing away from the x-ray machine. 

Lateral views are the side-to-side images taken while you are standing sideways from the x-ray machine. Less often, oblique x-rays are used, which provides a view from an angle. Your chiropractor will interpret the images and discuss the results with you, before any treatment process begins.