It seems like so many things in our modern world come down to an assessment of cost vs. benefit. In the case of imaging tests like x-ray, MRI, or CT the costs are time, finances, and radiation. Those are all significant costs to take into account when considering one of these tests.

What about benefits? There is a huge list of tremendous benefits for doing these tests. Some of the benefits are preventive like:

• The identification of an aortic aneurysm that might require immediate life saving surgery.
• Presence of an unknown tumor causing pain that needs a very specialized approach.

THE MEDICAL APPROACH TO X-RAYS AND MRI

Medicine works in black and white. When an x-ray of the spine or other area is conducted they are looking for evidence of a fracture or lesion like a tumor. If those don’t exist they view the x-ray as being negative or having no value in treating a condition.

With an MRI of the spine it is much the same. The MRI is ordered most often to rule out the presence of a spinal disc herniation. If the disc bulge or herniation is not large enough to require surgery it is considered inconsequential to whatever is going on.

THE CHIROPRACTIC APPROACH TO X-RAYS AND MRI

As a corrective chiropractor I am just as concerned with ruling out tumors, fractures, aneurysm, and herniations as the medical doctor. But, when those big challenges are not present there is often even more value to an x-ray or MRI.

X-rays and MRI are like road maps of the trip your body has been through. They offer tremendous insights into the cumulative physical stresses and traumas you have experienced in your life. And, they help me chart a path to correcting your problems.

I’VE NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT OR HURT MYSELF!

I can’t begin to count the number of times a new patient has told me that they’ve never been in a significant accident from an auto collision to a fall to sports injuries. Many forget about that accident 20 years ago. Many others also assume that since they didn’t get treated the accident doesn’t count.

MRIs and X-RAYS DON’T TELL YOU WHAT’S WRONG!

Well, most of the time they don’t. If you fracture a bone and there was trauma then the x-ray tells you exactly what’s wrong.

But, the vast majority of time with chronic problems these tests only tell you what is going on structurally. They don’t tell you how things are working.

HOW CAN WE USE THESE TESTS TO HELP YOU

Imaging tests like x-rays offer a unique picture into someone’s past. I wish I had a dollar for everyone that denied any significant injuries or accidents but had advanced degenerative changes in their spine.

It can add significant urgency to the importance of corrective care since left untreated arthritis is only going to worsen over time. And, that progression happens faster and faster over time.

X-rays can also offer a map to where the problems causing the issues are. And, this helps structure a treatment plan that will help achieve the greatest degree of correction in the shortest time.

STRUCTURAL TESTS NOT FUNCTIONAL TESTS

An MRI or X-ray can’t tell you if someone is in pain or where that pain is. That’s why by themselves they are of little value other than to rule out a more serious condition. These are tests that give you an image of the structure of the body but can’t tell you about how well it is working.

That’s why a detailed history and exam are necessary to identify what is and what is not working.

About Dr. Berkowitz  

Bringing more than 3 decades of practice experience, Dr. Bill Berkowitz focuses on balancing and corrective care, applying his expertise to provide patients with predictable, repeatable and measurable results.

Dr. Bill consistently strives to enhance the well-being of his patients by addressing the root imbalances of their problems and promoting optimal balance, alignment, and function of the spine and nervous system.

Bill’s wealth of knowledge and experience has allowed him to develop a nuanced understanding of the human body and its intricate connections. With each adjustment, he supports the body in returning to a state of balance that goes beyond mere symptom relief, focusing instead on long-term correction for his patients’ well-being.

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