Can an X-ray Detect a Curved Spine? A Chiropractor's Insight

For chiropractors, an X-ray is one of the main tools used to assess a patient's spine. Specifically, it is used to evaluate normal alignment from the front to the back, as well as normal curvatures in lateral side views. X-rays are also valuable in checking for proper balance of disc spaces, normal nerve root opening sizes, any presence of arthritic conditions, congenital abnormalities, and the signs of bone disease.

Evaluating Spinal Alignment and Curvature

Spinal alignment and curvature are crucial elements in diagnosing and treating spinal issues. By taking an X-ray of a patient's spine, chiropractors can assess how well the vertebrae are aligned, looking for any deviations from the normal anatomical structure. This is particularly important for diagnosing conditions like scoliosis, which involves a sideways curvature of the spine. Proper lateral side views help in determining whether curvatures are abnormal and require attention.

Other Crucial Factors in X-ray Analysis

Beyond just measuring curvature, X-rays are also used to evaluate several other factors:

Proper Balance of Disc Spaces: The height and uniformity of the disc spaces between the vertebrae can provide insights into the overall health and stability of the spine.

Normal Nerve Root Opening Sizes: The X-ray can help identify if there are any abnormalities that could affect the nerve roots, such as compression or impingement.

Presence of Arthritic Conditions: Early signs of joint degeneration can be detected on an X-ray, allowing for timely intervention.

Congenital Abnormalities: Some congenital conditions that may affect the spine can be identified with the help of an X-ray.

Signs of Bone Disease: X-rays are often used to screen for bone diseases such as osteoporosis or multiple myeloma, which can affect spinal health.

The Medical Perspective: A Chiropractor's Collaboration with MDs

Over the past 15 years of my full-time practice, I have worked closely with medical doctors, particularly anesthesiologists and family practitioners. The collaboration between chiropractors and medical professionals has been instrumental in providing integrated care for patients. During my time, I consistently urged doctors from both groups to review their referral patients' X-rays with me, so we could evaluate the images together.

Initially, many doctors focused on the obvious—a fracture, if present. However, as we began to share our observations, it became clear that there were often subtle but significant findings that had been overlooked. Unmarked abnormal appearances, indicative of bone disease, were often the culprits behind chronic pain and other symptoms. By consistently pointing out these findings, we brought to light issues that were previously undetected.

The Misunderstanding Between Doctors

Patients may often ask why their primary care physician (MD), after mentioning signs of disease, fractures, etc., did not point out a loss of normal spine and pelvic alignment. The answer often lies in the different roles and focuses of medical doctors versus chiropractors. Typically:

First, medical doctors will look for any obvious fractures.

Next, they will check for any abnormalities that suggest bone disease.

Only if all the above come back negative, they might attribute pain to a sprain or strain.

As a chiropractor, my perspective often extends further, looking beyond the obvious and focusing on the less immediately apparent signs of spinal misalignment and other issues.

Conclusion

In conclusion, X-rays play a pivotal role in evaluating spinal health. For chiropractors, they are an essential tool in diagnosing and treating a variety of spine-related conditions. By working collaboratively with medical professionals and meticulously analyzing X-rays, we can uncover numerous issues that might otherwise go unnoticed. Regular review and communication between healthcare providers can lead to more comprehensive and effective treatment plans for our patients.