X-Ray Safety in Chiropractic BioPhysics® (CBP®) Spinal Rehabilitation: Why Routine Imaging Is Safe, Essential, and Evidence-Based

At Symmetry Health Center in Alameda and Oakland, CA, our entire practice is built on Chiropractic BioPhysics® (CBP®) — the most researched, evidence-based chiropractic technique in the world. Unlike traditional chiropractic approaches that often focus primarily on short-term pain relief through manual adjustments, CBP® is a comprehensive spinal rehabilitation method that targets the underlying structural causes of back pain, neck pain, headaches, disc issues, and poor posture.

CBP® is founded on the principles of biomechanics and spinal engineering. It uses precise mirror-image adjustments, specialized spinal traction, corrective exercises, and postural remodeling to restore the normal, healthy curves and alignment of your spine. The goal is permanent structural correction — not just feeling better temporarily, but actually changing the shape and position of your spine so that pain stays away and your body functions optimally for the long term.

Because CBP® is a structural correction program, routine and follow-up X-rays are the foundation of everything we do. We use them to accurately diagnose biomechanical problems, create your fully customized treatment plan, set objective measurable goals, and document real progress with before-and-after imaging.

Many patients ask about the safety of these routine X-rays, especially with repeat imaging to track progress. You may also hear about the EOS imaging system, which is marketed as a much safer, lower-radiation option. While EOS does reduce radiation, we’ve chosen to stick with modern digital X-ray as our standard for a very practical reason.

 

Why We Use Digital X-Ray Instead of EOS

EOS scans take significantly longer — often 15 to 20 seconds or more — while a digital X-ray is captured in a fraction of a second. That longer scan time means patients must stand perfectly still. For fidgety kids, young children, elderly patients, or anyone with balance issues, even slight movement during the EOS scan can create motion artifacts that reduce measurement accuracy.

In CBP® we need highly precise measurements of spinal curves, postural displacements, and alignment. A quick, sharp digital X-ray in a natural standing position gives us the most reliable and accurate image — without the risk of motion blurring the results. Because we are not concerned about the tiny radiation dose from our modern digital system, we do not see EOS as a superior option for the type of corrective care we deliver.

 

The Reality of Radiation Doses in Modern Chiropractic X-Rays

Digital X-ray systems today deliver extremely low doses. A typical full-spine PA view used in CBP® is roughly equivalent to a few months of natural background radiation (we all receive about 3 mSv per year from the environment alone). Even with initial and periodic follow-up X-rays over a course of care, cumulative exposure remains far below any level linked to measurable harm. Modern techniques keep doses minimal while providing the high-quality biomechanical data CBP® requires.

 

What the Research Actually Shows

Extensive work by Dr. Paul A. Oakley and Dr. Deed E. Harrison (key researchers supporting evidence-based chiropractic and CBP® principles) confirms that low-dose X-rays used in spinal rehabilitation pose negligible risk, while avoiding necessary imaging can lead to poorer outcomes.

Key supporting studies include:

These findings align with the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) 2019 Position Statement on shielding: https://www.aapm.org/org/policies/details.asp?id=468

In summary: At the doses used in CBP® spinal care, routine X-rays are safe, with benefits that clearly outweigh any theoretical risk.

 

Our Commitment at Symmetry Health Center

We use state-of-the-art digital X-ray systems for the lowest effective doses, take only the necessary views, and limit imaging strictly to clinical needs for your CBP® program. Your long-term spinal health and safety are our top priorities.

 

Ready to Move Forward with Confidence?

Accurate imaging is what allows us to deliver the precise corrective results CBP® is known for. If you have questions about X-rays or EOS, we’re happy to discuss them during your consultation.

 

Visit Us at Either of Our East Bay Locations:

  • Alameda Just over the Park Street Bridge in the same building as Alameda Brewing and Crispian Bakery, and right next door to the legendary Alameda Natural Grocery—a foodie paradise where you can grab healthy treats after your appointment.
  • Rockridge (Oakland/Berkeley border) Upstairs from Reboot Float & Cryo Spa—perfect for combining your visit with a relaxing float or cryo session! Reboot is the perfect place for Cryotherapy or a Cold Plunge to supplement your treatment at Symmetry!

Book a consultation today via our website or call us at 510-769-0125. 

Your spine deserves the best possible care — and with today’s evidence, routine X-rays in CBP® rehabilitation are one of the safest and most valuable tools we have.

 

References

  1. Oakley PA, Cuttler JM, Harrison DE. X-Ray Imaging Is Essential for Contemporary Chiropractic and Manual Therapy Spinal Rehabilitation… Dose Response. 2018. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6024283/
  2. Oakley PA, Ehsani NN, Harrison DE. 5 Reasons Why Scoliosis X-Rays Are Not Harmful. Dose Response. 2020. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7488912/
  3. Oakley PA, Harrison DE. Death of the ALARA… Dose Response. 2020. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7218317/
  4. Oakley PA. X-Ray Hesitancy… Dose Response. 2020. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7503016/
  5. Oakley PA, Harrison DE. Radiophobic Fear-Mongering… Dose Response. 2021. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7883173/
  6. Oakley PA, Haas JW, Harrison DE. The Rationale and Safety of Routine Imaging… Dose Response. 2025. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12397594/
  7. American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM). Position Statement on the Use of Patient Gonadal and Fetal Shielding (2019). https://www.aapm.org/org/policies/details.asp?id=468