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A member asked:
Do x rays show herniated disk
11 doctors weighed in across 3 answers
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.
Answered 9/11/2019
5.6k views
No: It's best to FET a MRI to see if you have a herniated disc as this will not show up on plain Xrays. If one sees a decrease in disc space on plain Xrays then this implies degeneration (wear and tear) of disc space.
Answered 9/11/2019
3.8k views
NO: You need an MRI to see soft tissues structures. X-rays just show bony structures really well.
Answered 7/27/2014
3.8k views
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