What Can a Chiropractor Do?
Reading MRIs, taking X-rays, referrals, and work notes: what our doctors do, and when we send you to someone else.
The short answer
Our chiropractic physicians examine and diagnose spine and joint problems, take X-rays in the office when the exam calls for it, read your MRI images, arrange imaging when it is needed, refer you to medical specialists, and write work notes and work restrictions when the exam supports them. We do not prescribe medication, give injections of our own, or perform surgery.
Can a chiropractor read an MRI?
Yes, and it is one of the things we do most. Dr. Matt McClean completed a post-graduate fellowship in spinal biomechanics and trauma that included advanced MRI interpretation. He reads the actual images, not just the radiologist’s written report, and checks whether what the MRI shows actually explains your symptoms.
Utah County residents can ask for a free MRI review before deciding on care.
Can a chiropractor order X-rays and MRIs?
We take X-rays in our office, including motion X-ray, when your exam calls for it. We do not X-ray everyone. We X-ray when the result could change your diagnosis or your care, and we explain what we are looking for.
When an MRI is needed, we arrange it with local imaging centers. Some insurance plans require prior approval for an MRI, and we help with that process.
Can a chiropractor refer me to a specialist or physical therapist?
Yes. We refer to spine surgeons, neurologists, pain management physicians and physical therapists when that is the right next step, for example when nerve signs are worsening or you are not improving as expected. We re-test about every 4 weeks, so a referral happens on time instead of months later.
Can a chiropractor write a work note or work restrictions?
Yes. When the exam supports it, we write work notes and work restrictions, such as limits on lifting, bending or sitting, and we update them as you improve.
One limit to know: under federal FMLA rules, a chiropractor can certify FMLA leave only for spinal manipulation to correct a subluxation shown on X-ray. For other FMLA situations, your employer may require a medical doctor’s certification. We will tell you if that applies.
What we do not do
- Prescribe medication
- Perform surgery
- Treat conditions outside muscles, joints, nerves and the spine; we refer those
If your problem is better handled by someone else, we will say so and help you get there.
Common questions
Can a chiropractor read an MRI?
Yes. Dr. Matt McClean is fellowship-trained in MRI interpretation and reads the actual images along with the radiologist report, then checks whether the findings explain your symptoms.
Can a chiropractor order an MRI?
We arrange MRIs with local imaging centers when they are needed. Some insurance plans require prior approval, and we help with it.
Are chiropractic X-rays necessary?
Not for everyone. We take X-rays when the exam suggests they could change your diagnosis or care, and we explain what we are looking for before we take them.
Can a chiropractor give me a work note?
Yes. We write work notes and work restrictions when the exam supports them. FMLA certification by a chiropractor is limited by federal rules, and we will tell you if you need a medical doctor for it.
Can a chiropractor refer me to physical therapy or a surgeon?
Yes. We refer to physical therapists, spine surgeons, neurologists and pain specialists when that is the better next step.
Sources
- U.S. Department of Labor FMLA regulations, 29 CFR 825.125 (definition of health care provider).
Related
Questions about your situation? Call us.
McClean Chiropractic Spine Care Specialists · 385 N 500 W, Provo, UT 84601 · Directions