Different types of imaging for chiropractic care and osteopathic treatment
Chiropractic and osteopathic healthcare is complex and evolves with the needs of our patients. While as primary healthcare practitioners, we can often diagnose or treat issues with manual therapy such as manipulation and soft tissues treatment, we occasionally need to use advanced imaging technology such as MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), ultrasound or x-ray. Let’s explore the different types of imaging technology we use to help our patients at Hutchinson Health.
MRI scans
In some situations, an MRI scan may be necessary to help us understand and provide a diagnosis and help us provide you with the most appropriate treatment. As mentioned above, MRI is short for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. It allows your chiropractor, osteopath or other healthcare specialists to look at all aspects of the spine and surrounding tissues with exacting detail. I feel it is the gold standard for imaging the spine regarding musculoskeletal care for our patients and it is becoming much more accessible as prices reduce.
At Hutchinson Health, we may refer you to an imaging specialist to:
● rule out a potential fracture that may be causing your spinal issues
● assess your spine or spinal column for non-musculoskeletal changes relating to symptom presentation that require an onward referral, such as tumours
● assess for and grade a suspected spinal stenosis
● assess the level of change regarding musculoskeletal injuries
● assess and confirm/rule out disc degeneration in the spinal column.
To ensure the utmost comfort for our patients, we can refer you either to a traditional closed MRI facility at Alliance Medical in Southampton or an Open MRI in Bournemouth. So there’s no need to be anxious about sitting through an MRI in an enclosed space; the choice is yours, as both provide first-class imaging and reporting.
X-rays
In regards to chiropractic and osteopathic treatment, it is not necessary to initially get x-rays of the whole spine or the part of the spine and pelvis to be treated. There is no requirement set out for x-ray when treating non-specific mechanical back pain.
By reviewing your completed medical questionnaire and completing a thorough physical examination, as primary healthcare practitioners, we are able to determine at the initial consultation if there is a need to refer for an x-ray prior to treatment. The General Chiropractic Council has outlined the guidance for x-ray in clinical settings which you can read here.
At times, however, if the examination and consultation reveal an aspect that needs further investigation then we may also order an x-ray for our patients. We only do this sparingly because unnecessary x-ray exposure can cause harm. But x-rays may be needed to:
● diagnose recent traumas to the spine or spinal column
● assess if a patient may be suffering from osteoporotic fractures.
Ultrasound Imaging
Lastly, Hutchinson Health uses ultrasound imaging to analyse our patients and their health. Ultrasonic sessions involve ultrasonic gel and high-frequency sound waves to take images of your muscular tissues.
How Does Hutchinson Health Provide These Services?
We don’t. Instead, Hutchinson Health’s registered practitioners are authorised to prepare referrals for patients without the need to be referred to their general practitioner. For our patients, this means making referrals quick, easy, and flexible to suit your schedule or unique medical needs.
Since we’re a private referral, wait times are significantly reduced compared to referrals from the broader health care system. For example, it typically only takes a maximum of two weeks rather than waiting months.
When we recommend one of the above imaging treatments, we’ll talk through the process and show you the estimated or total costs for the procedure. The imaging provider completes the payment process, and we do not take any additional administrative charges for the patient referral.
At Hutchinson Health Limited, we refer to both Bournemouth Open MRI in Bournemouth and Alliance Medical MRI in Southampton, depending on what works best for your preference, diary schedule, and health insurance.
Contact Hutchinson Health for musculoskeletal healthcare.
Chiropractic and osteopathic healthcare and spinal health are vital, but sometimes, we can only provide you with the best services through specialised medical imaging techniques. That’s why we may leverage the results from different types of imaging technology to provide you with the best care.
If you are looking for help with back, neck or shoulder pain and live and work in Portchester, Fareham or Portsmouth contact Hutchinson Health today for more information and a consultation.
