When Does your Cheektowaga Chiropractor Need Imaging Studies?

If this is your first time to a chiropractor, you may be in for a surprise. Many people believe that a chiropractor is ‘not as scientifically based’ as a medical doctor but they find their first visit is similar to that of a medical doctor.

For example, a chiropractor takes the history of what happened to you, where, how and when it happened. The difference is that the chiropractor will probably want more details than a medical doctor. Like all other health professionals, a chiropractor asks you to fill out a sheet checking off your personal medical issues from the past as well as a family history. You’ll also find the chiropractor performing orthopedic tests, and possibly taking x-rays.

Your chiropractor will also want previously taken imaging tests such as CT scans, MRI scans or other imaging studies that have been taken by other medical professionals. His diagnosis may depend on the information found on these other imaging studies.

The imaging studies are especially important if you are filing workers compensation claims or have been involved in an auto accident. To receive and award for an injury from insurance companies, they need substantiation of the fact that you were injured.

Many injuries in patients that a chiropractor sees are ones that affect the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissue. The symptoms experienced by the patients are subjective and need to be evidenced on the imaging studies. For example, if there’s a disc herniation, the bulge will show on the MRIs or CT studies.

It’s the same thing with the orthopedic tests. Positive orthopedic tests can mean you have a certain disorder but the imaging studies provide an extra layer of verification and proof.

Another reason your Cheektowaga chiropractor needs these additional imaging studies is so he can make smart decisions on how to manipulate your spine.

If there’s a fracture of a vertebrae in your neck, your chiropractor will not adjust your neck until your neck is more stable. An MRI may show a disc herniation, another important fact for your case. The type of disc herniation you have will determine what type of treatment you need.

Reference

Teresinski, G. Verification of whiplash-associated disorders in forensic practice. Part II. Objectivization of injuries. Arch Med Sadowej Kryminol 2013 Jul-Sept; 63(3): 182-93.