Disc in plain English

Disc Bulge

Disc bulge means a spinal disc extends beyond its usual margin in a broad, generalized way.

Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease means the spinal discs show age-related wear or dehydration on imaging.

Disc Herniation

Disc herniation means part of a spinal disc is bulging or displaced beyond its usual space.

Lower Back Pain: What Spine Imaging Findings May Mean

Lower back pain is common, and imaging findings often reflect degenerative or disc-related changes. Doctors order imaging selectively based on symptoms, neurologic signs, duration, and red-flag features.

Flank Pain: Imaging Findings Doctors May Look For

Flank pain can reflect kidney, ureter, musculoskeletal, or referred abdominal causes. Imaging is used when stone disease, obstruction, infection, or another structural issue is suspected.

Neck Pain: Cervical Spine Imaging Findings in Plain English

Neck pain can be muscular, degenerative, disc-related, or less commonly due to other structural causes. Imaging is usually reserved for persistent symptoms, neurologic findings, trauma, or red flags.

Pelvic Pain: Imaging Findings That May Show Up on Reports

Pelvic pain can overlap with gynecologic, urinary, gastrointestinal, and musculoskeletal causes. Imaging helps when clinicians need structural clues from pelvic ultrasound, CT, or MRI.