The Use of Radiography in Chiropractic Care (PDF)

Scientific Essay from the year 2016 in the subject Health - Public Health, grade: 2, Egerton University, language: English, abstract: Over the years, scholars and experts have observed a correlation between the increase in health care overheads and the high pervasiveness of neck and low back pain (LBP) in the fast growing population worldwide. Although spinal imaging may have significant benefits of identifying less common causes of low back pain and neck, imaging services' misuse and overuse, an occurrence that has been widely noticed, contain adverse effects on individuals.

After obtaining of the first spinal x-rays in the United States of America in 1910, Chiropractic Techniques have since then employed spinal radiology with the aim of detecting and measuring spinal subluxation. Different studies have indicated that the idea of chiropractors in specializing in musculoskeletal disorders management remains to be the best, effective and safe approach, similar to the traditional back pain physiotherapy and medical care. However, studies have demonstrated knowledge practice gaps in different health care practitioners in red flags assessment alongside the use of diagnostic imaging. In addition, misuse and overuse of imaging services for spinal implications have increased in chiropractic and medical practice. Practically, overuse and misuse of imaging causes unnecessary procedures and tests that are linked to increased risks and side effects.