Possible disc issue, is an x Ray any use ?

[SirVixofVixHall]

I have occasional severe shooting pain in my back, and an occasional bulging sensation when pulling things or lifting, and odd sensations but not pain , down one leg.
I went to the small injuries clinic yesterday and they suggested an x Ray today, but did say that it might not show anything. Is there any point ? Should I try and get an ultrasound privately or something? I am scared that it is going to get a lot worse and suddenly be catastrophic and I want to have an idea what the issue is. I do know a good physio, can a physio diagnose disc issues without imaging ?

No-you need an MRI.

I agree you need an mri. It picked up my herniated disc

I needed an mri to diagnose.
The NHS physio referred me (5 weeks from referral to results).

An MRI. Eek. I get panic attacks in MRI machines, would an ultrasound be any good ?

I may be wrong but doesn't ultrasound just concentrate more on tissues ? I think mri is the standard for discs

Nurse said that sometimes a disc issue will show on the x Ray as the spacing can be irregular between vertebrae, but she did also mention needing an MRI.

I think maybe just have the X-ray, why not! If it shows nothing ask to be referred for an mri instead ?

I have had full rupture with nerve root compression that resulted in loss of function in my leg and debilitating leg pain. Nothing ever showed on an x-ray. It took two MRIs to diagnose as it was progressive.

I was told that standard xray is near useless.

Sounds like you need an MRI, I had a similar issue and got a MRI done and found a surgeon to review the result, cost me a £400 quid but I had the right answer within 5 days. Which was not to operate, it sorted it self out.

I agree MRI machines aren't fun, but you may be able to go in feet first if it's your lower back, which helps.

You need an mri. However some NHS have a wasteful protocol whereby the gp has to send for an X-ray first before they can request an mri. I currently have an issue that both gp and I think is soft tissue:nerve related but I still had to go for xray first.

I think this is was I will do.

Mid back, I assumed they would do the whole spine though ? I wouldn’t mind being in feet first, as long as head isn’t in there.

@Dbank could you tell me where you got this- I've been quoted£1600 for head and spine MRI which isa bit 'yikes' - £400 very doable

I've been waiting 6 months for one on NHS and am fed up.

I've had three mris on my back and my head is in i have to say. I just want to prepare you. Just in case.

I keep my eyes clothes and get into a breath rhythm with the sound of the machine

I used
www.vista-health.co.uk for the scan, but I don't have a note of the surgeon but they can probably recommend someone.

@Dbank thanks so much for that