x-ray and back pain

x-ray and back pain (Full Version)

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rwillcott -> x-ray and back pain (June 15, 2008 11:37:37 AM)
We all know that the use of x-ray for non-specific LBP is not very useful. The use of a TBC system has proved to be of much greater significance. Why then are chiro's continuing to use x-rays for the diagnosis of subluxations in the treatment of LBP? If it has been proven to be of no use for the majority of non-specific LBP then why continue to expose patients to radiation? I know in the city I work in, chiro's will refer patients to the local hospital for x-rays for their back. This is IMO a waste of health care dollars and is an unneccessary strain on the health care system. Does it continue because the 'doctor' requested them? Do not even MD's, x-ray techs and nurses realize that they are not physicians and the x-ray is not necessary?

TexasOrtho -> RE: x-ray and back pain (June 15, 2008 4:56:15 PM)
Amen brotha'. Makes me wonder about cost to the patient, cost to federal and nonfederal payors, safety in the form of unecessary exposure to radiation. I've often scratched my head at these and many things the chiros have been able to pull off. It would be an interesting economic study to see the utilization patterns for imaging from chiros vs allopathic/osteopathic physicians. I'll look into it.

proud -> RE: x-ray and back pain (June 15, 2008 6:43:59 PM)
Yet another example of how chiropractors fail to understand the science of things. Do they not know that needless imaging tends to result in FURTHER perception of disability? wakey wakey third party payors.....

rwillcott -> RE: x-ray and back pain (June 15, 2008 7:53:57 PM)
Not only am I amazed that third party payors continue to pay for this but a hospital! Surely there is someone there that would be interested in reading the research and cutting costs for unnecessary tests. For fun I should send a patient to the hosptial with a note for an x-ray and see what happens!

steve -> RE: x-ray and back pain (June 16, 2008 11:34:30 AM)
There is actually a number of articles demonstrating that x-rays for non specific low back pain improves patient satisfaction but ironically lengthens disability. Same goes for MRI. That stated, I would be hesitant to throw the blame at chiros only - I've seen my share of physios send patients back to GPs requesting x-rays for insidious onset acute low back pain. Steve

rwillcott -> RE: x-ray and back pain (June 16, 2008 7:58:49 PM)
steve, You're right. It's sad that we still see that in our own profession. However, at least we don't base our assessment on the use of these x-rays to identify subluxations that do not exist.

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