Motion X-Ray FAQ: When Your Other Imaging Looks Normal

Your MRI, CT, or X-rays came back normal, but your symptoms continue, especially with certain movements. Standard imaging is usually taken while you are still, often lying down. Motion X-ray – Digital Dynamic Xray (DDR) records your spine, jaw, or joints while you move. Below are answers to common questions about DDR at Digital Dynamic X-Ray in Tarzana.

What is a motion X-ray (DDR)?

Dynamic Digital Radiography (DDR) is a low-dose X-ray that captures up to 15 images per second while you move. The images play back as a continuous sequence, so your provider can see how your spine, jaw, or joints move, not just how they look standing still.

My MRI, CT, or X-rays were normal, but my symptoms continue. Can DDR help?

It may. MRI, CT, and standard X-rays are usually taken while you’re still, often lying down. Some problems only appear with movement or under body weight. DDR records you moving, standing or seated, so it can show motion that static imaging does not capture.

What does “instability” mean?

Instability means a spinal segment or joint moves more than it normally should. Because static scans are taken while you’re still, they can miss it. DDR records motion so the movement between vertebrae can be measured. There is no single universal cutoff. In the neck, more than 3.5 mm of translation is a long-standing standard. In the low back, published definitions range from about 3 to 4.5 mm. Your provider interprets these measurements together with your symptoms and exam.

What is CCI, and can DDR evaluate it?

CCI (craniocervical instability) is excess motion where the skull meets the upper neck, caused by weakened or damaged ligaments. DDR records the upper neck through movements such as bending forward, backward, and to the side, so that motion can be measured. Findings are reported by a board-certified chiropractic radiologist, and your own provider makes the diagnosis and treatment plan.

What can DDR image?

DDR can image nearly every joint from the base of the skull to the toes:

• Spine: cervical (including the upper neck), thoracic, and lumbar, in flexion, extension, and side bending
• Jaw (TMJ): opening and closing, side to side, and forward and back
• Upper body: shoulders, elbows, wrists, and hands
• Lower body: hips, knees, ankles, and feet, including weight-bearing positions
• Tailbone (coccyx): sit-to-stand studies

Can you image the jaw (TMJ)?

Yes. The TMJ is imaged in motion as you open and close, move side to side, and move your jaw forward and back, so jaw movement can be evaluated in real time.

How is DDR different from DMX?

Both are motion X-ray technologies, but they are built differently:

• How images are made: DMX uses fluoroscopy, recorded as video. DDR is not fluoroscopy. It takes a rapid series of individual diagnostic X-ray images, up to 15 per second, that play back as motion.
• How the images look: DDR images look like standard X-rays, with bones appearing white, the format radiologists are trained to read. Fluoroscopic images are displayed in reverse, with bones appearing dark.
• Field of view: DDR images are large and rectangular, up to 17 × 17 inches, enough to capture a full spinal region in one view.
• File format: DDR studies are standard DICOM files, the format hospitals and imaging centers use, so your providers can open, measure, and review each frame in their own imaging software.
• Coverage: DDR images the whole body, from the base of the skull to the toes, including the jaw.

Is it safe? How much radiation is involved?

DDR is a low-dose X-ray, and imaging itself typically takes under a minute. As with any X-ray, tell us before your visit if you are or might be pregnant.

Do I need a referral?

No. You can book directly. Many patients come on their own, and others are referred by their doctor, chiropractor, dentist, or physical therapist. With your permission, we send results to your providers.

What happens at my appointment?

You’ll be guided through simple movements, such as bending your neck, opening your jaw, or bending forward, while images are taken. There is no contrast dye and no enclosed tube. Plan for about 30 minutes.

When will my report be ready?

Your written report will be available within 7–10 business days.

How much does it cost? Do you take insurance?

Studies are cash-pay: $750 for the jaw (TMJ), $795 for one joint, and $995 per spine region. Additional regions in the same visit cost less.

We accept HSA/FSA, major credit cards, and monthly payment plans through Cherry.

Detailed invoices with procedure codes are available per request, if you’d like to submit to your insurance.

Personal injury liens are accepted for qualifying cases.

Where are you located?

18401 Burbank Blvd, Suite 107, Tarzana, CA 91356, near the 101 freeway. We are the only DDR center in Los Angeles County. Call 747-309-1600 or email info@DigitalDynamicXray.com.