Q. What does an X-ray show?

A. The X-ray image is a picture of your bones. It is a useful way to check for fractures, spine deformities, and diseases of the spine (like osteoporosis). The x-ray image shows the alignment of your spine and whether there are signs of spine instability or degeneration in the bones of your spine. Degenerative changes appear on x-ray as enlargement in the facet joints, narrowing of the space between the vertebrae, or bone spurs. Your doctor may also have X-rays taken if infections or tumors are suspected.