Do I Need X-Rays or an MRI After a Car Accident? A Chiropractor’s Perspective
X-RAY CHIROPRACTIC TREATMENT in WA
There are many ways that medical professionals can test to see if patients were injured in car accidents. Chiropractors will usually do a physical and visual examination as part of their initial health assessment. However, they may recommend more in-depth tests such as X-ray or MRI scans. Wall Family Chiropractic’s team uses their years of experience to diagnose and treat car accident injuries, work injuries, by offering chiropractic treatment.
Do I need an X-ray for my chiropractic treatment?
The answer to this question depends on what conditions you are dealing with. X-rays are effective at creating detailed images of hard materials. This means that X-ray scans will show your bones, allowing your chiropractor to see if there are any issues with your skeletal system. The great thing about X-ray technology is that it is relatively inexpensive to perform and gives nearly instant results.
The biggest reason that a chiropractor may use an X-ray scan is to determine if the patient has a broken bone. Ruling out a fracture is important for knowing which treatment is appropriate. Often, bone fractures are diagnosed prior to a patient’s visit to our clinic. They are usually incredibly painful, and it is obvious that something is wrong. In some cases, however, a person may not realize that they have a broken bone until a while after it breaks. This can especially happen with hairline fractures, non-displaced fractures, or when delicate bones such as the collarbone or fibula break.
Aside from broken bones, X-rays can be useful for assessing skeletal structural deformities such as scoliosis or kyphosis. These conditions can develop and worsen over time, and a person may not be aware that they have them. X-rays can clearly show if a patient has structural issues. They can even help medical care providers calculate the exact overcurvature of the spine in the case of kyphosis and scoliosis.
Other structural issues that X-rays can help identify include misalignments of the spine, degenerative disc disease, arthritis, and osteoporosis. They can also show if the patient has any joint dislocations. Car accidents involve strong colliding forces, which can easily cause bones to shift out of place. Knowing what’s wrong is important for narrowing down the cause of your pain and other symptoms.
Another benefit of X-rays is that they provide documentation. If you are planning on filing a personal injury claim, you will need solid evidence and official medical documents to back you up. Your car accident injury chiropractor can help you prove to insurance that the accident caused physical harm. One great thing about many personal injury protection (PIP) plans is that they may cover chiropractic treatment.
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Do I need to get an MRI?
Another type of scan that chiropractors may use as a diagnostic tool is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This amazing technology is able to create detailed images of the body using magnetic fields and computer-generated radio waves. Unlike X-rays, MRIs are able to get images of soft tissues and organs. This is helpful for diagnosing soft tissue injuries, which can often occur from car accidents.
Which injuries can MRIs help diagnose?
- Injuries with symptoms that persist even with treatment, such as back pain.
- Whiplash injuries are some of the most common injuries after being in a car accident. MRIs can see damaged soft tissue in the neck from whiplash.
- Torn ligaments are visible on MRI scans. An MRI scan can help rule out other types of injuries.
- Herniated discs and bulging discs can be identified by MRIs. This is where there are issues with the soft cushions between the vertebrae of the spine.
- Inflammation is caused by a variety of conditions.
- Nerve root compression is caused by nerve damage or spinal problems. This compression can cause symptoms such as tingling, weakness, and numbness.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). TBIs can be a wide range of severity, and can cause serious long-term symptoms, so it’s important for them to be diagnosed as soon as possible. MRI scans can show brain contusions, hemorrhaging, swelling, and more.
How do chiropractors decide to use a scan?
There are multiple factors to take into account when deciding if an X-ray or MRI is needed.
- Symptoms
If a person is experiencing serious, persistent pain that doesn’t go away, an X-ray should be considered. Neurological symptoms like weakness, tingling, or numbness may mean that a patient needs more detailed imaging, such as from an MRI.
2. Nature of the Accident
The way the accident happened can greatly influence how a person may have been injured. Someone who was in a serious car accident will usually need more extensive diagnostic imaging than someone who was involved in a minor accident.
3. Patient History
If a patient is older, has a medical history of previous injuries or illness, or has pre-existing conditions such as arthritis, this could mean that they may require an MRI or X-ray.
4. Clinical Judgement
If serious injuries are not suspected, a chiropractor can just use manual palpation and orthopedic tests to determine what the patient’s issues are and create an effective treatment plan.
Meet with Our Team Today
Recovering from a car accident can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Whether you need an X-ray to rule out fractures or an MRI to evaluate soft tissue damage, Wall Family Chiropractic in Tacoma can guide you every step of the way. Our chiropractors combine hands-on expertise with advanced diagnostic tools to pinpoint the cause of your pain and create a personalized treatment plan.
If you’re searching for a “Tacoma car accident chiropractor,” “Do I need an MRI after a car accident?” or “X-rays for whiplash injuries”, our clinic is here to help.
CALL WALL FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC TODAY to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward healing.
Summary & FAQ’s
Your chiropractor will determine whether or not you need an X-ray or an MRI scan. There are a variety of factors that go into the decision, including injuries, symptoms, and the type of accident that they were involved in. X-rays are effective for seeing skeletal issues, while MRI scans are better at seeing soft tissues.
Are X-rays safe?
Yes. X-rays expose the body to a very small amount of radiation, and when used occasionally in chiropractic care, the benefits far outweigh any potential risks. Your chiropractor will only recommend them when absolutely necessary for diagnosis.
How often are these scans done in chiropractic clinics?
In most cases, chiropractors begin with a physical exam and a trial of care. If symptoms don’t improve or if there are red flags, they may recommend X-rays or MRIs to get a more complete picture of your injuries.
When should I get an MRI instead of an X-ray after a car accident?
X-rays are best for spotting fractures and skeletal misalignments, while MRIs show soft tissue injuries like whiplash, herniated discs, or ligament tears. If you have persistent pain, numbness, or tingling after a crash, an MRI may be a more accurate diagnostic tool.
Can imaging help with my personal injury claim?
Yes. Both X-rays and MRI scans provide official medical documentation that can strengthen a personal injury claim. Insurance companies and attorneys often require this evidence to prove that your injuries came directly from the car accident.
Do chiropractors always require imaging before starting treatment?
Not always. Many chiropractic treatment plans begin without imaging if there are no signs of severe injury. However, if your symptoms suggest fractures, neurological issues, or soft tissue damage, your chiropractor may order X-rays or an MRI to ensure the safest and most effective care.