Expert Advice   Print Version Q. What does an X-ray show? A. Because the X-ray image is a picture of your bones, it is a useful way to check for a fracture, spine deformity, or disease of the spine (like osteoporosis or ankylosing spondylitis). The image shows the alignment of your spine and whether there are signs of spine instability or degeneration in the bones of the spine. Degenerative changes can be seen 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. Print Version		Anatomy and Function of the Spine Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis Diagnostic Tests for Spine Problems Q. When can I play golf, ride a bike, or go hiking after spine surgery? A. It depends on the type and location of your surgery. A micro-discectomy… Clicking on any of the links will take you to a Web site to which this Privacy Policy does not apply. You are solely responsible for your interactions with such Web sites. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

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