Are Spinal X-Rays Safe? 7 Evidence-Based Reasons Not to Fear Them

What the Study Asked

The authors asked: “Are low-dose spinal X-rays (radiographs) genuinely risky for patients undergoing postural/spinal rehabilitation, or are fears exaggerated?”

What They Did

• They reviewed the scientific evidence regarding the dose of radiation from typical spinal X-rays and compared it to natural background exposure.

• They analysed the historical basis of the linear-no-threshold (LNT) model (the idea that any radiation dose carries risk) and whether it applies at the low levels used in diagnostic imaging.

• They presented seven key reasons why radiography in spinal/postural rehabilitation should not be feared or avoided.

What They Found

• The LNT model (that every dose of radiation increases cancer risk linearly) is not strongly supported for very low-dose exposures like standard X-rays.

• Radiographic doses are extremely low: in many cases well below natural background radiation levels.

• Some evidence suggests low-dose radiation may even trigger adaptive repair responses (a concept called “hormesis”).

• The fear of X-rays (radiophobia) is largely based on outdated or mis-applied models rather than current data.

• When used appropriately in spinal/postural rehab, radiography can improve diagnosis, guide care and avoid guesswork, thus improving outcomes.

Why This Matters

If you worry about “getting X-rays every few visits” in a corrective chiropractic or postural program, this paper gives reassurance: the radiation dose is minimal, the risk is extremely low, and the potential benefit (accurate structural assessment) can be significant.

Citation

Oakley PA, Harrison DE. Radiophobia: 7 Reasons Why Radiography Used in Spine and Posture Rehabilitation Should Not Be Feared or Avoided. Dose Response. 2018;16(2):1559325818781445. doi:10.1177/1559325818781445