I read your query and I understand your concern. First of all usually disc disease is diagnosed by CT scan or ideally MRI, X-ray, while being helpful in studying vertebral position and possible fractures, spinal curvature, is not used to make the diagnosis of disc disease. In case there is nerve root compression by a disc first step in treatment is over the counter pain killers like Ibuprofen combined with physical therapy. Muscle relaxants and anti-convulsants for neuropathic pain are added at times. If those fail more invasive measures can be tried like local injection of steroids and anesthetics near the nerve root. Surgery is used as a last resort. I hope to have been of help.