If you’re experiencing back pain, numbness, or tingling, your doctor likely recommended imaging tests to find the cause. That’s standard practice in modern healthcare.
Many patients ask me, “Can a herniated disc be seen on an X-ray?”
The short answer is no—X-rays do not show soft tissues like discs, but other imaging methods can help diagnose the issue. Let’s break it down.
What Does an X-Ray Show?
An X-ray is a commonly used imaging test that provides a clear picture of your bones. It is useful for detecting:
✔ Fractures (broken bones)
✔ Arthritis and joint degeneration
✔ Bone misalignments or deformities
✔ Spinal abnormalities like scoliosis
However, X-rays cannot show soft tissues, including discs, muscles, ligaments, or nerves. Since a herniated disc involves the soft, gel-like center of the disc pushing through its outer layer, an X-ray alone cannot confirm the diagnosis.
So why get an X-Ray Show?
X-rays are a much more affordable diagnostic test compared to an MRI which will run you about $1500-$2000 through your insurance. So the short answer is, it’s cost effective.
What I personally like about x-rays is that they highlight disc compression. When two vertebrae collapse on either side of the disc, we can measure that much more effectively on an x-ray than an MRI.
As I tell all of my new patients, “I can see what I need to see about 90% of the time on an x-ray.”
An X-ray Is Not the Full Story Though…
Accompanied with all of my x-rays is a comprehensive physical examination including orthopedic and neurological testing to further diagnose a disc injury. While x-rays are important, they don’t tell 100% of the story.
Any imaging like an x-ray, MRI, CT, etc should always go with a physical examination of the anatomy in question.
What If You Have a Herniated Disc?
If you’re experiencing symptoms of a herniated disc, such as pain, numbness, weakness, or muscle spasms, you don’t have to wait for an MRI to start treatment. Many non-surgical therapies can help relieve pain and promote healing.
Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy
One of the most effective non-surgical treatments for herniated discs is spinal decompression therapy. This gentle treatment helps by:
✔ Reducing pressure on the herniated disc
✔ Relieving nerve compression to decrease pain and numbness
✔ Improving blood flow to promote healing
Conclusion
So, can a disc herniation be seen on an X-ray?
No—but it does show disc compression. An MRI can provide a clear diagnosis, but even that has its limitations. Symptoms of a disc herniation such as radiating pain (sciatica), sensory changes (numbness, burning, or tingling), and muscle weakness can be identified with a thorough physical examination by a skilled clinician.
Non-Surgically Yours,
Michael Brent Lea, D.C.
Clinic Director, Crossroads Brain & Spine
p.s healing takes time, but relief is worth the wait.
