Dr. Lynnette Renae Hendrickson, D.C., FICPA

An X-ray could diagnose a spinal deformity, but depending on what it is, other lab work could be indicated but isn’t always necessary for purposes of a diagnosis. Some deformities have other correlating issues in other body systems or other parts of the spine, which is why other tests would be necessary to rule out other issues.

It’s hard to say without examining it, but you could have asymmetry due to spinal misalignment or a curvature in your spine. The muscles might be compensating on one side. An examination and probably an X-ray would show the bone structure and alignment and would be a good starting point!

Osteoporosis doesn’t necessarily have symptoms, but a person with osteoporosis is at higher risk for injuries to the bones, such as fractures. I would recommend you see your medical doctor or chiropractor, so they can examine you and determine what is causing your symptoms and find an appropriate treatment!

Your mother’s shaking could be occurring for a number of reasons. It could be as simple as too much caffeine or as complicated as Parkinson’s. I would recommend you have her go see her primary care doctor and they can assess her and determine the cause for her shaking and recommend treatment if it is indicated!

It varies, typically if they are indicated clinically a chiropractor will take X-rays or order them from an outside source if they don't have an X-ray machine. Some take X-rays of all patients ( with perhaps the exception of small children or babies), but if insurance is being filed there are specific circumstances in which they will
pay for an X-ray. The criteria has changed drastically in the past few years, mainly as a means to save money in my opinion. X-rays are very inexpensive in light of the information they give....a picture is worth a thousand words!! I feel
I can serve my patients more efficiently when I see their X-ray. Many findings are not palpable, and I wouldn't know without the X-ray. I do what is best for my patients, which isn't always what insurance covers, but most people choose to pay for these beneficial services out of their pocket if necessary!

I would speak with the doctors that are familiar with your particular case and make sure everything is ok. I'm sorry to hear that, but most people I know that had fusions still suffer with pain on a daily basis, especially when they have hardware in the lumbar and sacral regions. Good luck to you!!

It really depends on your specific situation and the reason for your surgery. Some surgeries are minor disc repair and others are quite invasive. Typically if chiropractic care is appropriate it would be administered above or below where the surgery was. There are various techniques, and most of the time a patient can benefit from chiropractic. Like I said, a proper examination and history would determine if chiropractic care is appropriate for you!