At Hancock Chiropractic in Salina, Kansas, we use cutting-edge tools to help identify the root cause of your pain.
One of the most effective tools in our diagnostic arsenal is the X-ray motion study. Unlike traditional static X-rays, this advanced imaging technique shows your spine in motion, capturing how your joints move — or don’t move — in real time.
Here, Dr. Heath Hancock explains the difference between traditional and motion X-rays and what that difference can mean for your treatment.
An X-ray motion study, also called videofluoroscopy, is a dynamic imaging technique that takes a series of X-ray images while your spine is actively moving. Rather than taking a single snapshot while you're still, this type of study captures how each vertebra interacts during different movements.
Dr. Hancock often uses an X-ray motion study to assess spinal instability, joint dysfunction, or misalignment that might not be visible on a standard X-ray.
Traditional X-rays help us see bones and general alignment, but they don’t always tell the whole story. X-ray motion studies offer deeper insight into functional problems, such as:
Sometimes vertebrae shift or move more than they should, especially following trauma or degeneration. Motion studies can detect this excessive movement — something a static X-ray might miss — which can signal instability and a risk for chronic pain or further injury.
When spinal joints aren’t moving as they should, it often means stiffness or misalignment. X-ray motion studies help pinpoint these restrictions in real time, guiding targeted chiropractic adjustments to restore better mobility.
If joints aren’t functioning properly, muscles and ligaments tend to pick up the slack. This overcompensation can create strain and tension in other areas. A motion study can show how soft tissues react to poor joint movement, helping to explain pain patterns.
After accidents like whiplash or sports-related trauma, motion studies can identify subtle shifts in spinal movement that other imaging methods overlook. These insights help us understand how an injury continues to affect your spine — even weeks or months later.
These findings can help your chiropractor tailor a more precise treatment plan based on your actual biomechanics.
Understanding how your spine moves helps us treat the problem more effectively — not just the symptoms. For example, if certain joints aren’t moving correctly, other parts of your spine may be overcompensating, leading to inflammation, tension, or chronic discomfort.
Motion studies give us a full picture of these patterns so we can target the underlying issue with specific chiropractic adjustments.
Yes. X-ray motion studies use low-dose radiation and are performed with your safety in mind. At Hancock Chiropractic, we take every precaution to minimize exposure while maximizing diagnostic value.
After your X-ray motion study, we review the results with you in detail. You’ll see exactly where movement is restricted or excessive, and we’ll design a personalized treatment plan to restore healthy motion, reduce pain, and prevent future problems.
Ready to uncover what your spine is really doing?
We proudly serve the Salina, Kansas, community with compassionate, thorough chiropractic care. Call Hancock Chiropractic today, or book an appointment online to learn more.
