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Photo by Jerry Raehal

The Digital Motion X-ray allows chiropractor Allen German to examine a patient's vertebral alignment. Because the equipment records motion X-ray images, it is more effective than traditional imaging devices, German said.

Craig — For Craig Chiropractic Clinic co-owner Allan German, it's all about movement.

"The whole idea behind chiropractic (care) is restoring motion," he said. "Life is motion. If you're not moving, you're dying."

It's also the motivation behind his practice's newest tool, the Digital Motion X-ray, which is housed in a van. An X-ray camera, a white steel frame and a curtained observation booth have replaced the upholstered seats.

For German, it's a clinic on wheels.

Like a traditional X-ray machine, the Digital Motion X-ray, or DMX, enables German to observe his patients' spinal alignment.

But there's a difference.

"It takes the X-ray and puts it in motion," German said.

The machine takes 30 X-rays per second and projects them on a screen, allowing German to observe every disc, vertebrae and tendon in the part of the body being recorded.

"It's just freaky," he said.

An average examination takes three minutes. During that time, the machine takes about 2,700 images, each of which emits up to 200 times less radiation than a typical X-ray, he said.

The X-ray sequence can be recorded on compact disc that patients can take with them when visiting other medical professionals.

Other kinds of imaging technology, including magnetic resonance images and computerized tomography scans, require a patient to remain still.

Yet, most people don't experience pain until they're moving, German said.

By monitoring X-ray images in motion, German can better identify a patient's source of pain - and help him or her better understand his or her condition, he said.

The next nearest DMX unit is in Boulder, and German's mobile lab is the sole one of its kind in the state, he said.

The chiropractor purchased the lab for $120,000 in November. Since then, he's used the DMX on almost 40 of his patients.

The equipment revealed significant vertebrae misalignment in some people - the result of injuries that occurred in years past, he said.

Some patients weren't aware of the damage.

"That's the sad part about it," he said.

The new machine will divide its time between Craig and German's other office in Colorado Springs - an extension of the practice he and his wife, Jessica, own together.

Patients can set up a consultation by calling the clinic at 824-9479.

Still, German doesn't intend to keep the technology to himself. Other health professionals can benefit from his machine, he said.

For him, chiropractic medicine benefits the patient most when used in tandem with other medical fields, including physical therapy.

"Everyone has their place," he said. "It would be better if everyone worked together : to help patients make the best decision" about their health, he said.

German plans to meet with local medical practitioners next week.

His goal is to determine how his new equipment can benefit the medical community.

"I want to work with all clinicians," he said. "I want to use the latest and greatest technology to better serve our patients."