Do I Need X-rays Before Seeing a Chiropractor?
Short answer: Not usually. And definitely not to “check alignment”.
At The Cape Town Chiro, we prioritise your health — not scare tactics or outdated myths. One of the most common questions new patients ask is: Do I Need X-rays Before Seeing a Chiropractor?. The answer is simple: only if clinically necessary.
Why You Don’t Automatically Need X-rays
Old-school chiropractic practices often require X-rays upfront to “check for misalignments” or “see if your vertebrae are out.” This is outdated and not supported by modern research.
Here’s the truth:
- The idea that bones slip “in and out” or are “misaligned” in a static way is not how the spine works.
- Alignment doesn’t predict pain or function.
- Posture ≠ pathology.
- Motion, movement control, load tolerance, and tissue health are far more relevant than still-frame images.
When Are X-rays Actually Needed?
At The Cape Town Chiro, we follow clinical guidelines and only refer for X-rays when red flags are present, such as:
- Major trauma (e.g. car accident, bad fall)
- Suspected fracture
- Unexplained weight loss
- Night pain unrelated to movement
- Possible infection or tumour
- Significant neurological deficits (e.g. loss of bowel/bladder control)
In these cases, X-rays help rule out serious conditions. Not to check if a vertebra is 2 degrees rotated.
Beware of Cheap-Then-Expensive Clinics
Some clinics lure patients in with low prices (e.g. R550 first visit), only to:
- Lock them into 10–20 prepaid sessions
- Require X-rays before even touching you
- Delay treatment, saying you need to “see the spine first”
You end up paying more for less care, and often, for unnecessary procedures.
At our practice, you get treatment on the first visit, unless there’s a serious reason not to — and we’ll explain why.
Let’s Talk About “Subluxations”
The term subluxation in chiropractic has been widely debunked. It originally suggested that spinal misalignments caused every disease in the body. That’s pseudoscience.
We treat people based on:
- Functional assessments
- Movement quality
- Strength, mobility, and pain
- Clinical history and hands-on testing
Not whether your C2 is 1° rotated on an X-ray.
What You Should Expect on Your First Visit
- A proper evidence-based assessment
- Functional movement testing
- Muscle, joint, and nerve assessments
- Clear diagnosis
- Hands-on treatment if appropriate
- A plan — including what you can do to help yourself
If an X-ray is needed, you’ll know exactly why — no fluff, no fear, no marketing nonsense.
Why Cape Town Chooses Us
We’re not here to “adjust and trust.” We’re here to:
- Solve problems
- Educate you
- Empower your recovery
If you’re tired of vague explanations, never-ending payment plans, and being told your bones are “out” every time you’re sore — book with us today.
Book Your First Visit (No X-rays Needed)
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