Expert: Dr. Paul Newhart - 10/1/2007

Question
QUESTION: Dear Dr. Newhart:

Will a protruding disk show up on an X-Ray(s)?  Or only on an MRI.     ?????

Thank you,
Maria

ANSWER: The actual protrusion will show on an MRI; and x-ray will give indicators of a disc problem.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Addition, more specifically ..... another thought to previous follow up just sent....

Are the disk problems you’re talking about indicative of protruding disk problems?  (regarding what you’re saying here about x-ray).
???????????????

thanks, maria.

Answer
What shows on x-rays are narrowing of the disc space, and what is called a "vacuum phenomenon".  It is an area of darkness in the disc space.  If the herniation/protrusion has been there for a while, you will have bone spurs growing along the margins of the disc.