One of the most common question asked in clinic is- do we need to have an x-ray if we already have an MRI? To answer this question it is necessary to know the difference between them by best spine surgeon in Mumbai- Dr Sameer Ruparel.
Both x ray and MRI are radiological tests that the patient is expected to do at a diagnostic centre after advised by the treating spine doctor. Since both serve different purposes it is always better that the decision is taken by the spine specialist.
X-rays on one hard highlight the bones mainly. It shows any abnormal age related changes in spine like spondylosis, any abnormal mobility between the bones, may be a spine fracture or tell tale signs of other pathologies which are seen on MRI
MRI on the other hand mainly highlights soft tissues like the spinal cord and spinal nerves, the disc between the bones and the others. It helps in diagnosing spine conditions like the slipped disc, spinal cored compression which can cause sciatica like symptoms or sometimes causes like tumours, infections, etc.
One more difference between the MRI and Xray is that MRI is done in lying down position and X ray can be done in standing and bending positions when the spine is loaded. Thus abnormal slip between the bones like spondylolisthesis are better appreciated on X-rays.
Thus, if you are suffering from spine problem and need to understand whether to go for an Xray or MRI- is is always advised to meet best spine surgeon in Mumbai – Dr Sameer Ruparel.