Having an accurate diagnosis is crucial for receiving the right type of care for a medical condition. One helpful tool for diagnosing issues involving the spine is  a series of motion X-rays in quick succession while a patient is moving, so that a chiropractor can see what’s happening to the spine at different points of movement. To learn more about why this  is so advantageous for chiropractic care, here is a brief guide.

3 Benefits of a Motion X-Ray

1.  It breaks down any movement, such as turning one’s head or lifting an arm. These images allow a chiropractor to pinpoint any anomalies, like a pinched nerve, that would otherwise be missed by traditional sight and touch tests. The xrays can also reveal how the spine responds to the weight and pressure of specific actions, like holding a heavy object or performing a particular exercise.

2. Progress Points

Since motion X-rays offer a detailed account of a patient’s spine, they’re beneficial for chronic conditions. Sometimes people with chronic issues grow accustomed to pain and develop a higher tolerance; even if the issue hasn’t diminished or gone away, they may not complain about it as much. The scans, however, will clearly show the symptoms. When chiropractors can see how their patient's body is faring, they can adjust their treatment plan accordingly.

3.  Use of the Flexion Extension method

In order to replicate the conditions under which there is too much movement in the spine vertebrae, an x-ray can be taken when the patient moves. This is called a flexion-extension x-ray. For the low back, the patient is asked to bend forward and then backwards while x-ray images are taken in both positions. For the neck, the patient looks down and then up.  By using this method, we are able to pinpoint the subluxations and treat the proper area, as opposed to treating only the area of pain.  It is common for lower back pain to actually be caused by subluxations and lack of movement in the neck. 

If you’ve recently been in an accident or experience chronic back or neck pain, contact the team at Lincoln Chiropractic Center to help find the right solution. Based in Lincoln, NE, they’re known for their dedicated approach and comprehensive treatments. Using their many years of experience and state-of-the-art diagnostics tools, such as digital motion X-ray machines, their chiropractors can get to the root of the problem. They’re currently accepting new patients, so if you’d like a consultation, call them today at (402) 464-5567. For more about their methods and services, visit their website.