Digital Motion Fluoroscopic X-ray (DMX) technology is a revolutionary diagnostic tool that has transformed the lives of people with chronic undiagnosed pain. DMX is an evolution of X-ray technology to view a video of the spine in real-time motion at 30 exposures per second; at considerably less radiation exposure than would be possible using standard x-ray. It is able to produce 2,700 x-ray images with the same amount of radiation as a standard x-ray machine which gives you 6 static x-rays.

It is performed with the patient standing and actively moving in a weight bearing position. DMX is used to evaluate segmental spinal motion. Excessive motion is commonly an indication of ligament damage. Once the images are collected, our facility uses sophisticated computer digitization software with artificial intelligence to measure and quantify abnormal spinal joint motion based on normative data collected from nationally recognized medical studies and agencies.

It was once thought that cervical spine views in flexion/extension x-rays were all that was need to rule out ligament injury. But this practice only accounts for 2 of the 22 major ligaments of the cervical spine- the anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments (and only at the end points of one arc of motion). This would be like seeing 2 snap shots of a football game and expecting to know the outcome.

The DMX imaging system allows us to evaluate all 22 major ligaments of the cervical spine:

• Right and left alar ligaments

• Right and left accessory ligaments

• Transverse ligament

• Five right capsular ligaments

• Five left capsular ligaments

• Five interspinous ligaments

• Two anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments

If you hurt more when you move, then it’s best to be diagnosed while you move. DMX is a revolutionary type of x-ray system that allows the clinician to take an x-ray movie while the patient moves in a standing weight-bearing position. DMX evaluates the bones in motion allowing us to detect which specific ligaments have been injured.

In contrast, an MRI scan of the cervical spine is designed to evaluate disc injuries while lying down, not moving, and not swallowing. The symptoms of a cervical disc injury are usually numbness and tingling in the upper extremities. Unfortunately, the upper 30% of the spine and posterior aspect of the spine contain no discs, just ligaments. Headaches and posterior neck pain are commonly caused by stretched ligament injuries which cannot be detected by MRIs, CT scans or static x-rays. DMX is the only imaging study that can properly identify joint dysfunction caused by ligament tissue damage.

We follow a simple rule: If the insurance company reimburses you for static x-rays, there is no reason why they wouldn’t reimburse you for an x-ray that moves.

DMX provides “demonstrable” or “observable” evidence of the injury. DMX’s “Proof of Injury” documentation is the reason why attorneys across the country are going to court with renewed confidence and winning record settlements—sometimes more than the policy limits–for their clients.

It shows and defines the injury with clarity you’ve never seen before. Hidden injuries are revealed, helping physicians design a more effective treatment plan for their patients based on a comprehensive, accurate diagnosis.