This is an x-ray examination of the spinal column after contrast material is introduced by lumbar puncture into the subarachnoid space which holds cerebrospinal fluid. The study reveals ruptured lumbar and cervical disks, abnormal growth inside the subarachnoid space, spinal stenosis, compression due to growth outside the space; more recently, CT myelography and MRI helped the diagnosis of these conditions with increased resolution. Potential complications: cerebrospinal fluid leak may cause positional headache; patient with increased intracranial pressure may experience brain stem compression with quick withdraw of large volume of CSF; infection; seizures; allergic reactions to contrast material (dye).