An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan creates computer-generated images of soft tissues. Using magnetic and radio waves, these images appear as layered "slices" that show muscles, tendons, nerves, and blood vessels. The MRI can show whether a intervertebral disc has lost water content. The images can also help identify facet joint hypertrophy (enlargement), stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), and herniated disc (protrusion or rupture of the intervertebral disc)