As a chiropractic practice committed to delivering the highest standard of care, we at Apex have made a committment to providing the most up to date and vaild information. While some practitioners may advocate for their frequent use, we believe that this is an outdated practice that does not prioritize patient safety, evidence-based practice, and ethical considerations above all else. Here's why we choose to avoid routine X-rays (and dont even have one in the office) and instead focus on personalized, effective care for our patients.
1. Radiation Exposure:
At Apex, our foremost concern is the well-being of our patients. We understand the potential risks associated with ionizing radiation from routine X-rays, and we are dedicated to minimizing unnecessary exposure. While a single X-ray may not pose a significant risk, cumulative exposure over time can have adverse health effects. By avoiding routine X-rays, we prioritize the long-term health and safety of our patients.
2. Lack of Clinical Utility:
X-rays often add little value to the diagnostic process, especially for common conditions like low back pain or neck pain. Our comprehensive physical examinations and detailed patient histories allow us to accurately assess and diagnose musculoskeletal issues without the need for routine imaging. By relying on evidence-based assessment tools and our expertise, we can provide targeted and effective treatment plans for each individual patient.
3. Cost-Effectiveness:
Many other practioniers who choose to use routine X-rays are looking to pay off expensive X-ray equipment and pass that expense onto their patients. We understand the financial burden that routine X-rays can impose on patients and the healthcare system as a whole. At Apex Spine and Performance, we believe in using healthcare resources wisely. By avoiding unnecessary imaging, we can help reduce healthcare costs and ensure that resources are allocated to interventions that truly benefit our patients.
4. Evidence-Based Practice:
As practitioners committed to evidence-based care, we rely on scientific research and clinical guidelines to inform our treatment decisions. When it comes to routine X-rays, the evidence simply does not support their widespread use in chiropractic care. While imaging plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and management of certain spinal pathologies, such as trauma, tumors, and suspected infection, its routine use in cases of nonspecific low back pain or uncomplicated neck pain is not supported by evidence (Jenkins 2018). Instead, we focus on employing validated assessment tools and treatment techniques that are supported by robust evidence. By staying abreast of the latest research and advancements in our field, we can continually improve the quality of care we provide to our patients.
5. Ethical Considerations:
Above all, we uphold the highest ethical standards in our practice. We believe in the principle of "do no harm" and strive to minimize unnecessary interventions that could potentially harm our patients. Subjecting patients to unnecessary radiation exposure without clear clinical justification goes against our ethical duty as healthcare providers. By avoiding routine X-rays, we ensure that we are acting in the best interests of our patients and upholding our ethical responsibilities.
That being said, at Apex Spine and Performance, we choose to avoid routine X-rays in our chiropractic care because we believe it's the right thing to do for our patients. By prioritizing patient safety, evidence-based practice, and ethical considerations, we can deliver personalized, effective care that truly benefits those we serve. It's time for the chiropractic community to reevaluate the role of routine X-rays and prioritize practices that prioritize patient well-being above all else.
Refferences:
Jenkins HJ, Downie AS, Moore CS, French SD. Current evidence for spinal X-ray use in the chiropractic profession: a narrative review. Chiropr Man Therap. 2018 Nov 21;26:48. doi: 10.1186/s12998-018-0217-8. PMID: 30479744; PMCID: PMC6247638.
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