X-rays of the neck and low back are very helpful, after examination the chiropractor might send the patient to an x-ray facility for these films. Depending on the findings, the chiropractor may call for an MRI or other imaging studies.
MRI imaging involves exposing part of the body to high-frequency sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the body. MRI exams do not use ionizing radiation (as used in x-rays) and are therefore a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. MRI images of the musculoskeletal system provide pictures of muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints and soft tissue throughout the body. MRI images are typically used to help diagnose: tendon tears, such as tears of the rotator cuff in the shoulder or Achilles tendon in the ankle, abnormalities of the muscles, such as tears and soft-tissue masses, bleeding or other fluid collections within the muscles, bursae and joints,small benign and malignant soft tissue tumors, early changes of rheumatoid arthritis.