Chiropractic care is a conservative form of treatment. Whole being totally holistic, it is still able to use and borrow from other medical practices, such as radiology. Chiropractors use diagnostic testing, like X-rays or MRIs to help them diagnose and treat their patients properly and informed. Even today, the chiropractors of BC + PT may need to order an x-ray or MRI to obtain a better understanding of what's going on inside the body, in order to determine the best treatment options.
The History of MRIs
MRI Technology was first being studied by Isador Issac Rabi. He spent a lifetime researching atoms and his discovery of nuclear magnetic resonance, or essentially figuring out how atoms move when they are subjected to magnetism. His theories, experiments and testing lasted for years - decades, which started in the early 1930s. In 1944, He was even awarded the Nobel prize for “ his resonance method for recording the magnetic properties of atomic nuclei”.
He paved the way for others to continue research and in the early 1970s, a chemist named Paul Lauterbur was able to develop the technique that helped analyze the data of the MRI machines to produce the images of organs and soft tissues. With his and other scientists contributions, by the year 1977 the first live human subject was imaged. By the 1980s, MRI machines became commercially available and nowadays are commonly used for imaging internal soft tissue structures.
Differences between MRIs and X- Ray Technology
As we already covered the history and usage of X-ray technology in a previous post, it is important that we take the time to distinguish the difference between X-rays and MRIs. Both MRIs and X-rays provide images of the internal structures of the body. Diagnostic testing has come a long way from where it started with X-rays way back in the 1890s.
Doctors use both MRIs and X-Ray technology to be able to see inside the body, but they do have a few differences. X-Rays are actually a very quick test - mostly taking only a few minutes to finish, while an MRI can be 30 minutes or longer - sometimes even a couple of hours.
X-Rays use radiation to produce images, while MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create images. X-rays are primarily used for viewing bones, while MRIs have the ability to search and evaluate soft tissues as well.
Chiropractic Care and MRI Technology
The chiropractors at BC + PT are able to order an MRI test when necessary for further evaluation. Utilizing the amazing technology of an MRI, allowing the provider to better evaluate the source of the pain. The detail of these images show the spine, discs between the bones in the spine, surrounding muscles, as well as other potential pain generators. With the ability to make informed decisions for each treatment plan, the doctors of BC + PT are able to provide better care.
Chiropractic Care in Buffalo NY
If you have been experiencing pain in your neck or back, or you were recently in an accident at work or on the road, then it's time to give Buffalo Chiropractic and Physical Therapy a call to get the help you need. Let our wonderful team of chiropractors and physical therapists utilize all their resources to help you get the treatment you need!