Is something missed on an x-ray? Will an MRI show something missed?

Has anyone ever had an x-ray that showed "mild" something or other, in my case arthritis, and wondered how this could even be considered mild?  does an MRI show more than this x-ray does, and how do all you people find doctors that will actually help you and send you to different doctors?  My doctor thinks I should be able to handle this all by myself.  My pain is in the thoracic area and it travels all over my upper back and up my neck and into my face.  All my muscles are affected by this.  any help appreciated.

[Prem Pillay, MD]

An X-ray is a simple screening test as far as the spine is concerned. It does not show the nerves including the spinal cord and nerve roots. It does not clearly show soft tissue. An MRI is still the examination of choice for spine problems.