In the outpatient clinic, there are often patients who take X-rays and CT films to consult and are told to do an MRI, many patients do not understand, then I will briefly introduce the difference between X-rays, CT and MRI: X-rays are mainly to see if there is damage to the bones, abnormal development, osteophytes, etc. X-rays of the spine can show the morphology, stability and degeneration of the spine of the patient being examined. CT is clearer than X-rays in showing bones and can show the spinal canal compression in cross-section, and can initially diagnose the presence of disc herniation, but sometimes there are disadvantages such as unclear scans, which can easily be missed. CT takes less time and is less expensive than MRI. 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, and MRI is more expensive, usually around$600-1000. 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 to have CT examinations so that the preoperative preparation will be more adequate and conducive to the next step of treatment.