Chiropractors and spine specialists utilize spinal imaging through X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to figure out what is causing back problems and pain. Imaging is common. Whether chiropractic or spinal surgery, they help immensely discover back issues and allow the individual to see what is happening. Types of cases include back pain that:

  • Comes from trauma
  • Has lingered for four to six weeks
  • It is accompanied by a history of:
  • Cancer
  • Fever
  • Night sweats

Doctors use these images when diagnosing a spinal condition. Here is some insight into spinal imaging.

 

Spinal Imaging Back Pain Clinic Expectations

X-rays

X-rays for back pain can be quite helpful. An X-ray is radiation-based and is used to examine the conditions of the bone structures. X-rays are optimal for bone tissue or tissues that are ossified or calcified. They work the best with hard tissues, specifically bones. Soft tissues like muscles, ligaments, or intravertebral discs do not present as well.

Individuals undergoing a back X-ray will be scanned by a machine that generates a beam. A receiver picks registers the beam after it passes through the body and generates an image. It takes around five minutes to complete but could be longer depending on the doctor’s number of images. X-rays are helpful for insurance purposes and rule out bone conditions like compression fractures and/or bone spurs. X-rays are ordered for specific reasons and are often part of a whole-body diagnostic study. This includes MRI and/or CT scan.

CT Scan

CT stands for computed tomography. It is a series of X-rays that are digitized into images using a computer. The advantage of a CT scan to standard X-rays is that it offers different views/angles of the body and can be in 3D. CT scans are most often used in trauma cases or individuals who have had surgery. They take around five minutes. For X-rays, individuals stand up or lay under the X-ray machine as it scans the body. A CT scan has the individual lie down in a circular donut-looking machine that scans while rotating during the imaging. Individuals are recommended to wear casual loose, comfortable clothing. Sometimes a dye, or intravenous contrast, is used to get the vascular tissues to stand out, generating clearer images.

MRI

MRI is short for magnetic resonance imaging. MRIs use magnets to generate images. MRI imaging is often used in individuals that have undergone surgery. They take longer, usually around 30 to 45 minutes. No metallic objects are allowed in the MRI. Patients are asked to remove items like belts, jewelry, etc. Contrast dye can be a part of an MRI. The machine is like a tunnel. This can become challenging for individuals that have claustrophobia. Consult with a doctor and find out how to get comfortable during the process.

Other Forms of Spinal Imaging

Other forms of imaging include:

CT navigation

  • CT navigation shows real-time CT scans during the procedure.

Fluoroscopy

  • Fluoroscopy involves an X-ray beam that passes directly through the body that shows live, moving images.

Both of these types of spinal imaging are utilized during surgeries. For some cases, intraoperative imaging is used. This type of imaging uses high-tech robotics to help surgeons navigate through tight spaces during the procedure. This increases the surgeon’s accuracy and reduces the size of the incision.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound can be used for spinal conditions. This is an imaging test that uses sound waves to generate images. However, the imaging tests which are used in spinal imaging are primarily X-rays and MRIs.

Imaging Appointment

Talk with your doctor or chiropractor ahead of time to understand what to expect during the imaging process. They will let you know how to prepare and any special instructions before the appointment. Along with medical history and a physical examination, spinal imaging is an important part of the diagnostic process to find what is causing the pain and to develop the best treatment plan.


Body Composition


Short-term Effects of Coffee and Blood Pressure

The caffeine in coffee is a stimulant or substance that excites the body’s systems. When caffeine is ingested, individuals experience an increase in excitement, specifically in the cardiovascular system. This excitement causes the heart rate and blood pressure to rise and then lower back to a baseline level for healthy individuals. Coffee slightly increases short-term blood pressure. Moderate coffee consumption is safe for individuals that do not have pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.

References

United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission. (May 2021) “Doses in Our Daily Lives” www.nrc.gov/about-nrc/radiation/around-us/doses-daily-lives.html

X-Ray for Back Pain: Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine. (April 2009) “What is the role of imaging in acute low back pain?” www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2697333/

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Dr. Alex Jimenez
Specialties: Stopping the PAIN! We Specialize in Treating Severe Sciatica, Neck-Back Pain, Whiplash, Headaches, Knee Injuries, Sports Injuries, Dizziness, Poor Sleep, Arthritis. We use advanced proven therapies focused on optimal Mobility, Posture Control, Deep Health Instruction, Integrative & Functional Medicine, Functional Fitness, Chronic Degenerative Disorder Treatment Protocols, and Structural Conditioning. We also integrate Wellness Nutrition, Wellness Detoxification Protocols and Functional Medicine for chronic musculoskeletal disorders. We use effective "Patient Focused Diet Plans", Specialized Chiropractic Techniques, Mobility-Agility Training, Cross-Fit Protocols, and the Premier "PUSH Functional Fitness System" to treat patients suffering from various injuries and health problems. Ultimately, I am here to serve my patients and community as a Chiropractor passionately restoring functional life and facilitating living through increased mobility. Purpose & Passions: I am a Doctor of Chiropractic specializing in progressive cutting-edge therapies and functional rehabilitation procedures focused on clinical physiology, total health, functional strength training, functional medicine, and complete conditioning. We focus on restoring normal body functions after neck, back, spinal and soft tissue injuries. We use Specialized Chiropractic Protocols, Wellness Programs, Functional & Integrative Nutrition, Agility & Mobility Fitness Training and Cross-Fit Rehabilitation Systems for all ages. As an extension to dynamic rehabilitation, we too offer our patients, disabled veterans, athletes, young and elder a diverse portfolio of strength equipment, high-performance exercises and advanced agility treatment options. We have teamed up with the cities' premier doctors, therapist and trainers in order to provide high-level competitive athletes the options to push themselves to their highest abilities within our facilities. We've been blessed to use our methods with thousands of El Pasoans over the last 3 decades allowing us to restore our patients' health and fitness while implementing researched non-surgical methods and functional wellness programs. Our programs are natural and use the body's ability to achieve specific measured goals, rather than introducing harmful chemicals, controversial hormone replacement, un-wanted surgeries, or addictive drugs. We want you to live a functional life that is fulfilled with more energy, a positive attitude, better sleep, and less pain. Our goal is to ultimately empower our patients to maintain the healthiest way of living. With a bit of work, we can achieve optimal health together, no matter the age, ability or disability.