X-rays are an important diagnostic imaging tool that can help healthcare professionals evaluate bones, joints, and certain conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system. They may be recommended after an injury, when symptoms suggest an underlying condition, or when additional information is needed to determine an appropriate treatment approach. However, not everyone experiencing pain needs an X-ray, so the decision to use imaging depends on the individual’s symptoms, medical history, and physical examination.

A careful evaluation begins by understanding the patient’s symptoms, including when the problem started, where it is located, what it feels like, and what makes it better or worse. This information can help a doctor of chiropractic determine whether an X-ray may provide useful information. In some situations, imaging can help identify or rule out complicating factors such as arthritis, osteoporosis, fractures, joint dislocations, scoliosis, or other structural concerns. X-rays can be particularly useful when a healthcare professional needs to examine the bones and joints more closely before determining an appropriate course of care.

An X-ray uses electromagnetic radiation to create an image of structures inside the body. The X-ray beam passes through the area being examined, with different tissues absorbing different amounts of radiation; bones absorb more and therefore appear white, while air appears dark and soft tissues appear in varying shades of gray. Before an examination, patients may need to remove clothing or jewelry that could interfere with the image and should tell their healthcare provider if they may be pregnant. During the procedure, the body part is positioned carefully and the patient may need to remain still or briefly hold their breath so clear images can be obtained. Modern X-ray equipment and safety procedures are designed to use the appropriate amount of radiation needed for the examination while minimizing unnecessary exposure.