X-rays can play an important role in understanding spinal health and guiding appropriate care. At Complete Chiropractic, we often talk with patients about why X-rays may be recommended as part of a thorough evaluation.
While not every patient requires imaging, X-rays can provide valuable information that cannot be determined through symptoms alone.
Why X-Rays Matter
Pain and stiffness do not always tell the full story. Two people with similar symptoms can have very different underlying spinal conditions.
X-rays allow the doctor to:
- Evaluate spinal alignment
- Assess joint spacing and structure
- Identify degenerative changes
- Detect old injuries or structural abnormalities
- Rule out conditions where certain treatments may not be appropriate
This information helps guide safer, more individualized care.
The House Analogy: Why Looking Inside Matters
Choosing not to take X-rays is similar to buying a house without looking inside.
From the outside, a house may look fine. But without seeing the foundation, wiring, or plumbing, important issues could be missed.
The spine is no different. Without imaging, underlying structural issues may go unseen, even if symptoms seem mild.
Symptoms Don’t Always Match Structure
It’s common for patients to say, “I don’t have much pain,” or “I feel fine most days.” However:
- Significant spinal changes may exist without severe pain
- Old injuries may still affect alignment and movement
- Degeneration can develop gradually and silently
X-rays help reveal what symptoms alone cannot.
Safety and Appropriateness of X-Rays
Modern chiropractic X-rays use low levels of radiation and are taken only when clinically appropriate. The decision to take X-rays is based on exam findings, history, and individual risk factors.
At Complete Chiropractic in Sioux Falls, X-rays are used thoughtfully and only when they provide meaningful information for care decisions.
How X-Rays Help Guide Treatment
When X-rays are available, they help ensure that care is:
- Appropriate for the patient’s spinal structure
- Tailored to areas that need the most attention
- Delivered safely and effectively
This allows treatment to be more precise rather than based on assumptions.
What If You Don’t Want X-Rays?
Some patients have concerns or questions about imaging. Those concerns should always be discussed openly.
If a patient chooses not to proceed with X-rays, care decisions are made based on the information available. However, it’s important to understand that declining imaging may limit what can be fully assessed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all patients need X-rays?
No. X-rays are recommended based on individual findings and clinical need.
Can spinal problems exist without pain?
Yes. Structural changes can be present even when symptoms are minimal.
Are X-rays done on-site?
Yes. Our office has on-site imaging available when needed.
The Bottom Line
X-rays provide valuable insight into spinal structure that symptoms alone cannot reveal. Just like inspecting the inside of a house before buying it, imaging helps ensure informed decisions and appropriate care.
If you have questions about X-rays or chiropractic care in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the team at Complete Chiropractic is happy to explain recommendations and help you understand your options.