X-rays define the parameters of the subluxation. While X-rays usually don’t show where the problem is, they do show the relative relationships of adjoining bones and their alignment in detail. We use this information to select the appropriate chiropractic maneuver to properly reduce the subluxation, once found. Specific directional subluxations require specific directional forces given during the adjustment to reduce them. Everyone’s spine is shaped differently and has its own unique characteristics and circumstances. There is no normal spine, especially in patients exhibiting spinal dysfunction symptoms. That’s why each treatment plan is personalized for each patient.  Chiropractic X-rays are different than X-rays taken for pathology screening purposes. Chiropractic X-rays are taken for structural and functional purposes. When a medical doctor takes an X-ray, he or she is searching for tumors or fractures. Chiropractors do look for these, too (if a tumor or fracture is behind your pain, we will send you to a medical doctor to have that treated), but our main concern is to understand the whole spine, including weight bearing posture and subluxation listings.  However, not all chiropractors use X-rays for this purpose. Instead, they simply do what a medical doctor would, in which case any medical X-rays you had would work just fine for the purpose.  At Specht Brothers Chiropractic, we use chiropractic X-rays for their intended purpose. So, you can rest assured that when we order X-rays, we are looking at them in a deep and holistic way. To learn more about our methods, contact us today.