Digital X-Rays
See what's really going on — so we can treat it right.
Why X-Rays Are Essential After an Injury
After a motor vehicle accident or any significant trauma, the damage isn't always visible on the surface. Soft tissue injuries, misalignments, and even hairline fractures can go undetected without proper imaging.
At Gentle Care Chiropractic, we use digital radiographic exams to get a clear picture of your spine and skeletal system — so your treatment plan is based on evidence, not guesswork.
- Identify fractures, dislocations, and misalignments
- Assess spinal curvature and disc spacing
- Detect degenerative joint changes
- Document injuries for insurance and legal purposes
- Guide precise chiropractic adjustments
Cervical Instability Assessment
Cervical instability — excessive movement in the upper spine — is one of the most commonly overlooked injuries following a car accident. Without proper imaging, it can lead to chronic headaches, neck pain, dizziness, and neurological symptoms.
Our radiographic assessment helps evaluate:
Ligament integrity
Damage to the ligaments that stabilize the cervical spine
Vertebral alignment
Shifts or subluxations that indicate structural instability
Disc health
Signs of herniation, bulging, or degeneration
Nerve compression
Narrowing of spaces where nerves exit the spine
Early detection of cervical instability is critical — left untreated, it can worsen over time and become much harder to correct.
Flexion-Extension X-Ray Studies
Standard X-rays capture your spine in a static position. But many injuries — especially ligament damage from auto accidents — only become visible when the spine is in motion. That's where flexion-extension studies come in.
During this specialized exam, we take X-rays while you gently bend forward (flexion) and backward (extension). This reveals abnormal movement patterns that static images simply can't show.
Abnormal vertebral translation (slipping) during movement
Ligament laxity not visible on standard X-rays
Segmental instability in the cervical or lumbar spine
Hidden injuries that could lead to chronic pain if untreated
These studies are particularly important for auto accident cases and can provide strong supporting evidence for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
What to Expect During Your X-Ray
Getting X-rays at our office is quick, comfortable, and hassle-free. Here's what the process looks like:
Check-In & Review
We review your medical history, symptoms, and the reason for your visit to determine which views are needed.
Positioning
Our technician will position you carefully to capture the most diagnostically useful images. You may be asked to stand, sit, or lie down.
Image Capture
The X-ray itself takes just seconds. Our digital equipment produces high-resolution images with minimal radiation exposure.
Immediate Review
Your doctor reviews the images right away — no waiting days for results. We discuss findings with you during the same visit.
Treatment Planning
Based on the X-ray findings, we develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific condition and goals.
Documentation
All images are securely stored in your digital file and can be shared with other providers, attorneys, or insurance companies as needed.
Benefits of In-House Digital Imaging
Having X-ray equipment right here in our West Linn office means faster diagnoses, better continuity of care, and less hassle for you.
Everything you need — under one roof.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about our radiographic exam services.
Are chiropractic X-rays safe?
Yes. Digital X-rays use significantly less radiation than traditional film X-rays. The exposure from a standard chiropractic X-ray series is comparable to what you receive from natural background radiation in a few days.
Will I need X-rays at my first visit?
Not necessarily. Your doctor will determine whether X-rays are warranted based on your symptoms, health history, and physical examination findings. If you've been in an accident, imaging is typically recommended.
How long does the X-ray process take?
The imaging itself takes only a few minutes. Including positioning and review, expect to spend about 15–20 minutes on the X-ray portion of your visit.
Can you see soft tissue injuries on X-rays?
X-rays primarily show bones and joints. While they can reveal indirect signs of soft tissue injury (like joint space changes), MRI or ultrasound may be recommended for detailed soft tissue evaluation.
Will my insurance cover chiropractic X-rays?
Most insurance plans — including auto injury (PIP) coverage — cover diagnostic imaging when medically necessary. Our team will verify your benefits before proceeding.
What is a flexion-extension X-ray study?
It's a specialized exam where X-rays are taken while you bend forward and backward. This reveals abnormal spinal movement or ligament damage that static X-rays can miss — especially important after car accidents.
Can I get copies of my X-rays?
Absolutely. Your digital images can be sent electronically to other providers, attorneys, or insurance companies. Just let our front desk know what you need.
Do I need to prepare for an X-ray?
No special preparation is needed. You may be asked to remove jewelry or metal accessories near the area being imaged. Wear comfortable clothing without metal snaps or zippers if possible.
Get the Answers You Need — Schedule Your X-Ray Today
Whether you've been in an accident, are dealing with persistent pain, or need imaging for a new treatment plan, our in-house digital X-ray services make it easy to get accurate answers fast.