A member asked:

Does an xray always show a herniated disc?

5 doctors weighed in across 3 answers
Dr. Theodore Spinks answered

Specializes in Neurosurgery

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.

Answered 11/25/2016

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Dr. Soren Singel answered

Specializes in Neurosurgery

Practically never: Xrays show hard things such as bone or metal. Discs are too soft to show on an xray. Magnetic resonance (mr) scans show discs the best.

Answered 9/8/2013

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No.: MRI is the best study. If unable to have an MRI ( due to a pacemaker ) a myelogram and post-myelo gram CT is useful. An X-ray does not show a herniated disc. Check out Spine-health.com.

Answered 11/22/2018

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