Spine X-Ray in San Luis Obispo

What is a Digital X-Ray?

An x-ray is a diagnostic test that uses electromagnetic waves to create pictures of the inside of the body. This type of x-ray is called a digital x-ray. A digital x-ray uses a computer to create the x-ray image, which can be stored on a computer.

A digital x-ray is different from a traditional x-ray because it:

• Is more clear and detailed
• Uses less radiation
• Can be stored on a computer
• Provides images quickly

Why Get a Spine X-Ray?

A spinal x-ray can give our chiropractor in San Luis Obispo important information about your spine. The images show your bones and joints, the spacing between your vertebrae and the overall alignment of your spine. X-rays don’t show discs, nerves or muscles directly, so we read them together with your health history and exam.

It is not always necessary to have an x-ray. In some cases, your symptoms, a physical exam, and your medical history will be enough for our chiropractor in San Luis Obispo to come to a diagnosis. In other cases, we may recommend an x-ray or other imaging tests to get more information about your condition before beginning treatment.

We would only recommend an x-ray if we felt it was medically necessary to help with diagnosis and guide us with treatment options. X-rays do expose you to radiation, so it’s best to only use this course of action if it’s deemed necessary.

When We Take X-Rays

X-rays are not part of every visit. Dr. David Sedghi decides after your consultation and exam, and may recommend them when:

• You’ve had a recent injury, such as a car accident, a fall or a sports injury
• Your pain is severe, has lasted a long time or hasn’t improved as expected
• You have numbness, tingling or weakness in your arms or legs
• You have a history of arthritis, osteoporosis or spine surgery
• Your exam suggests a problem that needs a closer look before we adjust that area

If you are pregnant or think you might be, tell us before any X-rays are taken. If you’ve had spine X-rays or an MRI somewhere else recently, let us know at your visit.

What We Look For on Your X-Rays

Depending on the area of your spine we image, we look at:

• Alignment and curves: the natural curves of your neck and lower back, forward head posture and any sideways curve, such as scoliosis
• Disc spaces: the space between your vertebrae, where narrowing can be a sign of disc wear
• Joint and bone changes: signs of arthritis, such as bone spurs, and the condition of your joints
• Your pelvis and hips: how your pelvis sits, which can affect your lower back
• Anything that needs medical follow-up: such as a possible fracture, so you can be referred before chiropractic care starts

X-rays can’t show discs, nerves, muscles or ligaments directly. If your symptoms point to a disc or nerve problem that needs a closer look, we may recommend an MRI through your medical provider.

What to Expect When Getting a Spinal X-Ray

If it’s decided that a spinal x-ray would be beneficial, one of our team members will take you to the x-ray room in our office. You will be asked to remove any jewelry or other objects that might affect the imaging. You’ll be positioned with the x-ray machine and our team member will step out of the room to snap the image. We may take multiple images from different angles to make sure we have the best outcome. You may be asked to hold your breath at certain points during the x-ray to prevent movement that could blur the image.

Usually taking x-rays only take a few minutes. Once we are done grabbing the images, we will be able to review them on our computers within minutes. We can show you the images and talk through exactly what we are seeing and how this is playing a role in your health.

What Happens at Your First Appointment

Here is what happens at your first visit:

1. New patient forms: your health history and what brings you in. You can fill them out before your visit.
2. Consultation: a conversation with Dr. Sedghi about your symptoms, goals and health history.
3. Chiropractic exam: a hands-on exam of how your spine and joints move.
4. X-rays, if needed: taken here in our office and ready to review within minutes.
5. Report of findings: Dr. Sedghi walks you through what your exam and any X-rays show and recommends a care plan.
6. First adjustment: if it is right for you and you choose to, you can have your first adjustment at the end of the visit.

All of this is included in our $97 new patient special. Read more about what to expect at your first visit.

Getting X-Rays of Your Spine in San Luis Obispo

If you’re dealing with a health issue, it’s possible that it’s connected to your spine. The spine plays a major role in your overall health. Being the main highway for the nervous system, it’s important to keep your spine healthy. When you come into our office for care, depending on your health concern, we may recommend getting an x-ray of your spine to help guide us in the best direction for your care.

Don’t let health issues and pain get any worse. Give us a call and book your appointment to come see our chiropractic team today!