- posted: Mar. 18, 2025
- News & Updates
Efficacy of X-Ray Imaging in Chiropractic
By: Dr. Ayhem Sabry B.S., D.C.
Chiropractors may use X-rays as part of their diagnostic process, but guidelines recommend limiting their use to cases where imaging provides critical clinical information that will influence patient care. The World Health Organization (WHO) advises that X-rays should be employed only when clinically necessary to minimize unnecessary radiation exposure.
A 2016 survey of Australian chiropractors emphasized the importance of adhering to radiographic guidelines, reinforcing that imaging should be used judiciously and only when justified. WHO’s policy brief on ethics in medical radiological imaging also highlights the need to justify imaging procedures and optimize radiation protection for patients and healthcare workers.
The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) also advocates for an evidence-informed approach to X-ray use. As part of the Choosing Wisely® campaign, the ACA recommends avoiding routine spinal imaging for acute low-back pain lasting less than six weeks unless red flag indicators—such as a history of cancer, suspected fractures, progressive neurological symptoms, or signs of infection—are present. This approach helps prevent unnecessary radiation exposure, reduce healthcare costs, and ensure effective patient care.
Furthermore, the ACA’s Code of Ethics underscores the importance of following best practices and current guidelines when making clinical decisions about diagnostic imaging. By adhering to these standards, chiropractors can ensure that X-rays are used appropriately, prioritizing patient safety and ethical considerations.
ReferencesÂ
World Health Organization. (2022). Ethics and medical radiological imaging: A policy brief for health-care providers. World Health Organization. https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/353046.
Jenkins, H. J. (2016). Awareness of radiographic guidelines for low back pain: A survey of Australian chiropractors. Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, 24, Article 39. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12998-016-0118-7Â
American Chiropractic Association. (n.d.). Choosing Wisely: X-ray recommendations reflect evolving evidence & accepted standards. Retrieved February 10, 2025, from https://www.acatoday.org/news-publications/choosing-wisely-x-ray-recommendations-reflect-evolving-evidence-accepted-standards.
- posted: Mar. 18, 2025
- News & Updates
Efficacy of X-Ray Imaging in Chiropractic
By: Dr. Ayhem Sabry B.S., D.C.
Chiropractors may use X-rays as part of their diagnostic process, but guidelines recommend limiting their use to cases where imaging provides critical clinical information that will influence patient care. The World Health Organization (WHO) advises that X-rays should be employed only when clinically necessary to minimize unnecessary radiation exposure.
A 2016 survey of Australian chiropractors emphasized the importance of adhering to radiographic guidelines, reinforcing that imaging should be used judiciously and only when justified. WHO’s policy brief on ethics in medical radiological imaging also highlights the need to justify imaging procedures and optimize radiation protection for patients and healthcare workers.
The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) also advocates for an evidence-informed approach to X-ray use. As part of the Choosing Wisely® campaign, the ACA recommends avoiding routine spinal imaging for acute low-back pain lasting less than six weeks unless red flag indicators—such as a history of cancer, suspected fractures, progressive neurological symptoms, or signs of infection—are present. This approach helps prevent unnecessary radiation exposure, reduce healthcare costs, and ensure effective patient care.
Furthermore, the ACA’s Code of Ethics underscores the importance of following best practices and current guidelines when making clinical decisions about diagnostic imaging. By adhering to these standards, chiropractors can ensure that X-rays are used appropriately, prioritizing patient safety and ethical considerations.
ReferencesÂ
World Health Organization. (2022). Ethics and medical radiological imaging: A policy brief for health-care providers. World Health Organization. https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/353046.
Jenkins, H. J. (2016). Awareness of radiographic guidelines for low back pain: A survey of Australian chiropractors. Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, 24, Article 39. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12998-016-0118-7Â
American Chiropractic Association. (n.d.). Choosing Wisely: X-ray recommendations reflect evolving evidence & accepted standards. Retrieved February 10, 2025, from https://www.acatoday.org/news-publications/choosing-wisely-x-ray-recommendations-reflect-evolving-evidence-accepted-standards.