At Belper Chiropractic Health Centre, we take a considered approach to X-rays. We don't scan every patient as a matter of routine — and that's deliberate. Most people who come to us for back or neck pain don't need an X-ray at all. When a scan will genuinely change your care, we arrange one. When it won't, we won't put you through it.
Do You Actually Need an X-Ray?
Chiropractors rely first on a thorough history, a hands-on examination, posture assessment, and skilled palpation. For the vast majority of everyday back and neck pain, that tells us what we need to plan your care safely. National guidance from NICE is clear that routine imaging isn't recommended for ordinary mechanical back pain — a scan rarely changes what happens next, and it exposes you to radiation, cost, and delay you didn't need.
When Imaging Is the Right Call
There are times when a scan genuinely matters. In those cases, we refer you for the right imaging through the proper channels. Common reasons include:
- Trauma or injury: After a fall, accident, or sports injury, imaging helps rule out fractures, dislocations, or joint damage before any hands-on care begins.
- Red-flag signs: Rare, but certain warning signs point to something that needs medical imaging — and sometimes a different kind of care altogether.
- Suspected structural issues: Significant scoliosis, or degenerative change such as osteoarthritis, where confirming the picture will genuinely change your plan.
- Pain that isn't behaving as expected: Symptoms that aren't settling as they should, or that warrant a closer look before we continue.
When imaging is warranted, we refer you for the appropriate scan — X-ray or MRI — read by the right people. You get the image that actually helps, without guesswork.
Why We Don't X-Ray Everyone
Some clinics image every new patient as standard. It can look thorough. In truth, a scan you didn't need doesn't make your care better — it simply adds radiation and expense. We'd rather give you a careful assessment and an honest answer. If you need a scan, you'll get one. If you don't, we'll tell you that too.
What Happens at Your First Visit
A proper conversation about your history and symptoms, a hands-on examination, and a clear explanation of what we find — in plain English. If that assessment suggests imaging would help, we'll arrange the right referral. Either way, you'll leave understanding what's going on and what the plan is. If you'd like a steer on choosing well, our guide on how to choose the best chiropractor in Belper walks you through it.
Good care starts with a good look — not an automatic scan. If something's troubling you, book an appointment and we'll give you a straight answer.