What Challenges Are Posed By Trying To See A Herniated Disc On An X-Ray?

Dr. Vitaly Gordin answers the question: 'X-Rays and Herniated Discs?'

ByABC News
November 11, 2008, 6:20 PM

— -- Question: What Challenges Are Posed By Trying To See A Herniated Disc On An X-Ray?

Answer: A plain x-ray is best suited for investigating bone structures. It overlooks soft tissues in our body. Since the disc is composed of connective tissues, it is not seen on a plain x-ray.

An MRI, on the other hand, allows to identify soft tissues such as connective tissue, internal organs and nerves and is much better suited for the diagnosing the disc herniation.

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