An X ray is a painless
process that uses radioactive materials to
take pictures of bone. If your doctor suspects
vertebral degeneration, X rays can be used
to verify: a decrease in the height of space
between discs, bone spurs, nerve bundle sclerosis
(hardening), facet hypertrophy (enlargement),
and instability during flexion or extension
of limbs. X rays show bones, but not much
soft tissue, so they will definitely be used
if fractures, infections, or tumors are suspected.
During X rays, you will be asked to lie very
still on a table and hold certain positions
while photographs are taken of your spine.
