X-Ray Services in New Iberia

When you’re experiencing back pain, neck pain, or other musculoskeletal symptoms, understanding what’s causing your discomfort is an important part of choosing the right care.

At Theriot Family Chiropractic Center in New Iberia, LA, on-site X-rays are available when clinically indicated as part of the evaluation process. Imaging may help your chiropractor assess certain structures, identify relevant findings, and determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate.

Not every patient needs X-rays. We use your symptoms, health history, physical examination, and clinical needs to determine whether imaging is warranted.

How We Determine if X-Rays Are Right for You

At Theriot Family Chiropractic Center, the decision to obtain X-rays is based on your individual clinical presentation.

Before recommending imaging, we consider:

• Your current symptoms

• When and how your symptoms began

• Your health history

• Any recent injuries or trauma

• Your physical examination findings

• Relevant risk factors

• Whether the results are likely to change your care plan

Our goal is to use imaging when it is clinically useful, not simply because you’re visiting a chiropractor for the first time.

If X-rays are not necessary, we may proceed with an appropriate evaluation without them. If your symptoms warrant a different type of investigation, we can discuss the appropriate next step.

What X-Rays Can and Cannot Tell Us

X-rays can provide useful information, but they are only one part of a complete clinical assessment.

What X-rays Can Show

Depending on the area imaged, X-rays may help identify:

• Bone structure and certain alignment findings

• Some fractures

• Certain degenerative or arthritic changes

• Some structural abnormalities

What X-Rays Cannot Show Well

Standard X-rays do not provide detailed images of:

• Muscles and most other soft tissues

• Nerves

• Most disc injuries

• Many ligament injuries

• Every possible cause of back or neck pain

Depending on your symptoms, another examination, MRI, CT scan, or other diagnostic test may be more appropriate.

An X-ray finding does not automatically explain your pain or determine which treatment you need. Findings must be interpreted in the context of your symptoms and examination.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chiropractic X-Rays

Does every new chiropractic patient need X-rays?

No. X-rays are not necessary for every new patient. The decision depends on your symptoms, health history, examination findings, and whether imaging is expected to influence clinical decisions.

Why would a chiropractor order X-rays?

X-rays may be recommended to investigate certain injuries, assess bone-related abnormalities, or evaluate a specific structural concern when the findings may help guide care.

They should not be ordered routinely without a clinical reason.

Can X-rays show the cause of my back or neck pain?

Sometimes they can identify findings relevant to your symptoms, but they cannot show every cause of pain. Many conditions involving discs, nerves, muscles, and ligaments are not adequately evaluated with standard X-rays.

Your symptoms and physical examination remain important.

Are X-rays available at Theriot Family Chiropractic Center?

Yes. On-site X-rays are available at our New Iberia office when clinically indicated.

Do X-rays hurt?

No. Taking an X-ray is painless. You’ll be positioned for the images and may need to remain still briefly while each image is captured.

How long does an X-ray appointment take?

The time varies depending on the area being imaged, the number of views required, and the rest of your evaluation. Your team can explain what to expect during your visit.

Should I tell my chiropractor if I’m pregnant?

Yes. Always tell your chiropractor if you’re pregnant or might be pregnant before any X-ray examination. Your provider will consider the clinical need, potential risks, and appropriate alternatives.

Can X-rays show herniated discs or pinched nerves?

Standard X-rays generally cannot directly show a herniated disc or a pinched nerve. Depending on your symptoms and examination, additional assessment or imaging such as an MRI may be more appropriate.

Will I receive chiropractic treatment immediately after my X-rays?

That depends on your examination findings and whether treatment is appropriate. Some patients may be able to proceed with care after their evaluation, while others may need additional testing, review, or referral first.

Can I bring X-rays from another provider?

Yes. Let our office know if you’ve had recent imaging of the same area. Existing images and reports may help your chiropractor determine whether additional imaging is necessary.