Patient Safety

Imaging & Adjustment Policy

A clear, conservative approach to care — designed to keep you safe before we apply force to your spine.

Our Approach

Your safety is our highest priority. Before performing any manual, high-velocity spinal adjustment, Dr. Gray follows a careful diagnostic protocol designed to identify any underlying conditions that could make hands-on adjusting unsafe.

While we are highly skilled in manual (Diversified) adjustments, we will not perform them without first ruling out conditions — such as undetected fractures, advanced degenerative changes, or other structural issues — that could increase your risk of injury. Objective data comes before high-force care.

When X-Ray Imaging Is Required

We require X-ray imaging before any manual, high-velocity adjustment if any of the following apply:

Recent Trauma

Any recent falls, motor vehicle accidents, or sports-related impacts — regardless of how minor they seemed.

Unresolved Past Injuries

Significant injuries from years past — old whiplash, high-impact falls, or fractures — that were never professionally imaged or cleared at the time.

Neurological Symptoms

Radiating pain into the arms or legs, numbness, tingling, or unexplained weakness.

Age 65 and Older

All new patients aged 65 and older, to screen for occult fractures, advanced degenerative changes, or underlying bone density concerns.

Structural History

A known history of osteoporosis, long-term corticosteroid use, or a previous cancer diagnosis.

Clinical Red Flags

Severe, localized bone pain; night pain that prevents sleep; or unexplained weight loss.

Care Doesn't Have to Wait

If imaging is recommended, your care begins right away — with a safer, low-force approach while we await your results.

Low-Force Care While You Wait

Two evidence-based techniques let us begin treatment safely without high-velocity manual thrusts:

Instrument-Assisted Adjusting (Arthrostim). A precise, gentle mechanical instrument that delivers controlled corrections without the speed or force of a manual adjustment.
Manual Therapy. Soft tissue work, mobilization, and targeted muscle therapy to reduce pain and restore movement.

Once your imaging confirms it's safe, we can transition to manual adjusting if it's appropriate for your condition.

Your Choice, Our Duty

You always have the right to decline imaging — and we respect that. However, our duty of care prevents us from performing procedures we consider high-risk without proper data.

If you choose not to pursue recommended imaging, Dr. Gray reserves the right to decline manual high-velocity adjustments and will continue your care using the low-force techniques described above.

Where to Get Imaging

We refer to two trusted local imaging providers. We'll send your referral ahead so the imaging team is ready when you arrive — and you're welcome to ask which option fits your situation best.

Advanced Imaging Center

900 N Heritage Dr, Bldg B
Ridgecrest, CA 93555

Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
X-rays by walk-in or appointment

📞 760-446-1999

Ridgecrest Regional Hospital

Radiology & Imaging Department
1081 N China Lake Blvd
Ridgecrest, CA 93555

Reduced cash pricing available for qualifying patients

📞 760-499-3702

Both facilities are a short drive from our office. If cost is a concern, ask us — we can help you choose the option that works best for your situation.

Questions about whether imaging applies to you?
Call before booking and we'll help you figure out the right next step.

Call 760-428-2084