Subluxation May Be Demonstrated by X-Ray or Physician’s Exam

Subluxation is defined as a motion segment, in which alignment, movement integrity, and/or physiological function of the spine are altered although contact between joint surfaces remains intact.

A subluxation may be demonstrated by an x-ray or by physical examination, as described below

1. Demonstrated by X-Ray

An x-ray may be used to document subluxation. The x-ray must have been taken at a time reasonably proximate to the initiation of a course of treatment. Unless more specific x-ray evidence is warranted, an x-ray is considered reasonably proximate if it was taken no more than 12 months prior to or 3 months following the initiation of a course of chiropractic treatment. In certain cases of chronic subluxation (e.g., scoliosis), an older x-ray may be accepted provided the beneficiary’s health record indicates the condition has existed longer than 12 months and there is a reasonable basis for concluding that the condition is permanent. A previous CT scan and/or MRI is acceptable evidence if a subluxation of the spine is demonstrated.


Demonstrated by Physical Examination

Evaluation of musculoskeletal/nervous system to identify:

Pain/tenderness evaluated in terms of location, quality, and intensity;
Asymmetry/misalignment identified on a sectional or segmental level;

Range of motion abnormality (changes in active, passive, and accessory joint movements resulting in an increase or a decrease of sectional or segmental mobility); and

Tissue, tone changes in the characteristics of contiguous, or associated soft tissues, including skin, fascia, muscle, and ligament.

To demonstrate a subluxation based on physical examination, two of the four criteria mentioned under “physical examination” are required, one of which must be asymmetry/misalignment or range of motion abnormality.

The history recorded in the patient record should include the following:

Symptoms causing patient to seek treatment;
Family history if relevant;
Past health history (general health, prior illness, injuries, or hospitalizations; medications; surgical history);
Mechanism of trauma;
Quality and character of symptoms/problem;
Onset, duration, intensity, frequency, location and radiation of symptoms;
Aggravating or relieving factors; and
Prior interventions, treatments, medications, secondary complaints.