Question 1

how necessary is it to take a mri when x ray has been done to see reverse lordosis & possible herniated disc in cervical spine?

Accepted Answer

Different tests: Plain X-rays of the spine only show bones structure, an MRI is needed if you are looking for soft tissue pathology like a herniated disk.

Question 2

could x-ray of low back show a spinal tumor? x-ray was done for follow up for a flare up of a herniated disc. severe low back pain where herniation is

Accepted Answer

Special X rays: Routine spine x-ray will not show need MRI or some time ct  scan of spine is needed.

Question 3

last september i went to the er for numbness in left arm. they said i either have a pinched nerve or herniated disc in my cervical spine. when i turn my head i can feel the pain radiate down my arm. can feel pain when i do neck exercises. x-ray asap?

Accepted Answer

: There is no urgency but you should have a MRI done sooner or later. Pain and numbness of the arm are common symptoms of cervical herniated disc or cervical spondylosis. If possible, you should see a spine orthopedist or a neurosurgeon. Neck exercise is still recommended.

Question 4

going to er for back injury.  will x-ray show herniated disk? mris not done in local er, unsure if muscle or disk is problem.

Accepted Answer

No: a regular X-ray will not show a herniated disc.  it may show disc space narrowing which is suggestive of disk disease.  A CT may or may not show a herniated disc but an MRI will show a herniated disc.

Question 5

do x rays show herniated  disk

Accepted Answer

No: X-ray will reveal the space between the vertebral bodies where the disc is found but unless the disc is calcified, it will not be visualized as x-ray energy will pass through this soft tissue structure while it does not penetrate the bone but you can get idea of how degenerative the disc may be by seeing how narrowed the disc space is or amount of bone spurs seen around it. Ct & MRI reveal disc.

Question 6

does an xray always show a herniated disc?

Accepted Answer

No: X-rays do not show disks or ligaments.  They only show bones and some information about other tissues.  Generally speaking, the best way to look at disks is with an mri.

Question 7

i've coccyx pain since >2yrs; xray showed nothing; mri showed disc hernia l5/s1 and a nerve in that area being pinched. could there be a connection between the herniated disc and the coccyx pain (physiotherapy, medication and shots didnt help?

Accepted Answer

The Ls-S1 compre -: -compression @ L5-S1 would cause pain radiating down the posterior leg, to the lateral aspect of the ankle &amp; foot. If severe, weakness in the gastrocnemius-solious (sp) complex, meaning unable to stand on your toes on that side.

Question 8

had nerve pain in july, mri and xray of brain and cervical spine revealed herniated disc. i still have symptoms today, but they are a lot less intense. should i be worried i still get them? also think my anxiety isnt helping

Accepted Answer

No: No, you should not be worried. Herniated discs in the spine is not something that get corrected with medical treatment. It is normal if you still feel the pain or numbness. The only way to repair a herniated disc is with surgery.

Question 9

which doc should i go see for herniated disc?

Accepted Answer

A spine specialist: Could be a physiatrist, a pain management specialist (usually an anesthesiologist) or an orthopedist.  But see someone who's interested in fixing the problem.

Question 10

what is the best diagnostic method to see if there is herniated disc or it's about piriformis syndrome?

Accepted Answer

An MRI: A physical exam is first in the evaluation.  Piriformis syndrome and sciatica often causes pain in the buttock and posterior thigh.  Nerve irritation or compression from a herniated disc can cause similar symptoms but with pain and weakness extending below the knee and sometimes into the foot. Plain x-rays then an MRI if symptoms persist is the image of choice.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Can you see a herniated disc on an x ray

A member asked:

How necessary is it to take a mri when x ray has been done to see reverse lordosis & possible herniated disc in cervical spine?

A member asked:

Could x-ray of low back show a spinal tumor? x-ray was done for follow up for a flare up of a herniated disc. severe low back pain where herniation is

A member asked:

Last september i went to the er for numbness in left arm. they said i either have a pinched nerve or herniated disc in my cervical spine. when i turn my head i can feel the pain radiate down my arm. can feel pain when i do neck exercises. x-ray asap?

A member asked:

Going to er for back injury. will x-ray show herniated disk? mris not done in local er, unsure if muscle or disk is problem.

A member asked:

Do x rays show herniated disk

A member asked:

Does an xray always show a herniated disc?

A member asked:

I've coccyx pain since >2yrs; xray showed nothing; mri showed disc hernia l5/s1 and a nerve in that area being pinched. could there be a connection between the herniated disc and the coccyx pain (physiotherapy, medication and shots didnt help?

A member asked:

Had nerve pain in july, mri and xray of brain and cervical spine revealed herniated disc. i still have symptoms today, but they are a lot less intense. should i be worried i still get them? also think my anxiety isnt helping

A member asked:

Which doc should i go see for herniated disc?

A member asked:

What is the best diagnostic method to see if there is herniated disc or it's about piriformis syndrome?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?