New Patients

In most cases, no.
Research shows that for common musculoskeletal issues like back pain, neck pain, and joint stiffness, imaging does not change the course of treatment. Imaging may be required if there are red flags present—such as trauma, signs of serious underlying conditions, or unexplained neurological symptoms. Hands-on assessments will be used to evaluate movement, muscle function, and joint restrictions, allowing for safe and effective treatment without unnecessary radiation or costs. If imaging is ever needed, you will be referred to the appropriate provider.

The vast majority of people, even those without pain, will show some degree of age-related bone changes labeled as “degeneration.” However, this is a normal and healthy response to bone stress and aging, not necessarily a source of pain. Jumping straight to imaging can result in misdiagnosing a normal finding as the cause of pain, leading to unnecessary treatments or interventions. A more effective approach is to evaluate pain through orthopedic testing and movement assessments, identifying the actual triggers and functional restrictions rather than relying on imaging alone.