Can you see a Bulging Disc on an X-ray? - Dr. Brian Prieto

Can You See a Bulging Disc on an X-ray? Dr. Brian Prieto Yorba Linda Chiropractor Explains

Welcome to Prieto Chiropractic and Spinal Decompression Center, located in North Orange County, Yorba Linda, California. I’m Dr. Brian Prieto, and today we’re addressing a common question: Can you see a bulging disc on an X-ray?

Many patients arrive at our clinic with X-rays in hand, believing they show a bulging disc. However, X-rays primarily reveal bone structures and are not capable of showing soft tissue like a bulging disc. This leads to a frequent misunderstanding, as X-rays alone cannot diagnose a bulging disc. The most effective way to accurately diagnose a bulging disc is through an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). MRI scans are sensitive enough to detail soft tissue, allowing us to measure the extent of the disc bulge in millimeters and classify it as mild, moderate, or severe.

Interestingly, the position during an MRI scan can affect the results. While traditional MRIs are conducted with the patient lying down (supine MRI), a sitting MRI can often reveal the true extent of a disc’s compression, which might not be as apparent in a supine position. Though sitting MRIs are less common and more costly, they can provide a clearer picture of spinal issues.

This distinction became clear to me years ago when a discrepancy arose between a patient's symptoms and their supine MRI results. After conducting a sitting MRI, we discovered the bulging disc was significantly larger than previously indicated, aligning more closely with the patient's actual symptoms.

For those exploring spinal health options or undergoing a spinal decompression consultation, remember: while an X-ray can be a helpful tool for viewing bone health, only an MRI can definitively show a bulging disc.

For more insights on spinal health and accurate diagnostic techniques, check out our other videos. Thank you for tuning in to learn more about bulging disc diagnosis at Prieto Chiropractic and Spinal Decompression Center.