In the outpatient clinic, patients often take X-rays and CT films to consult, and are told to do an MRI, many patients said they do not understand, so the following I will briefly introduce the difference between X-rays, CT and MRI: X-rays are mainly to see whether there is damage to the bones, abnormal development, osteophytes, etc. X-rays of the spine can see the morphology of the spine of the patient being examined, stability and degeneration. X-rays of the spine can show the morphology, stability and degeneration of the spine, and the height of the spinal intervertebral space can be used to initially infer the presence of a herniated disc, but cannot confirm whether the patient has a herniated disc. CT is clearer than X-rays and can show the spinal canal compression in cross-section and can initially diagnose the presence of a herniated disc, but sometimes there are disadvantages such as unclear scans and easy to miss the diagnosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a better diagnostic tool for spinal lesions. By combining the patient’s clinical presentation, it can confirm whether the patient has a herniated disc and whether surgery is needed. In addition, MRI is an indispensable test for diagnosing spinal infections, tuberculosis, and tumors. It can clearly show the spinal cord, dura mater, and nerve root compression, but it is not as good as CT in showing calcifications and bone tissue. Overall, X-rays, CT and MRI complement each other. MRI and X-rays are usually essential for patients with cervical spondylosis and lumbar disc herniation, and it would be perfect if CT examinations were available so that the preoperative preparation would be more adequate and conducive to the next step of treatment.