Is this a ruptured disc....

Is this an image of a ruptured disc? I went to the ER a year ago with back pain after a fall down a flight of stairs. The ER said that it was to swollen for them to diagnose definitively and told me to get an MRI. I had insurance but the place around here that does it still wanted full payment upfront and I couldn't afford $2,300. After a year of off and on pain I went to get the disc from the ER and found this after manipulating the lighting. Is this a ruptured disc? Help please!

[kittyluv1]

Welcome to the Back and Neck Community.  Members are here to provide assistance and support to individuals experiencing symptoms related to possible abnormal conditions of the spine.  Advice is non-professional and is primarily based on personal experiences/

This picture looks like an x-ray view of an intervertebral disc.  There does appear to be a tear in the annulus and a herniation of the disc material.  However, it is not possible to determine the extent of nerve involvement without an MRI.  The x-ray shows changes in the bony structure of the spine, but can not visualize the spinal nerves and the degree of compression (pinching) that might exist.  Also, the x-ray was taken a year ago and there could be interval changes and extension of the herniation.  Only an MRI can evaluate the nerves.
I do not know what symptoms you are experiencing or what area of the spine you are concerned about (cervical or lumbar).  If you provide some of your symptoms and the limitations it has imposed on your daily activities, we might be able to assist you further.
Are there any other facilities you can find that will do the MRI with a reasonable co-pay?
The other suggestion would be to get prior authorization from the insurance company and an estimate of what coverage is allowed for an MRI.  This might persuade the diagnostic radiology dept./company to perform the test and then wait for reimbursement from the insurance company.  Unfortunately, in this difficult economic recession, everyone is reluctant to perform examinations without a reasonable expectation that they will be paid for their services.  Try your local hospital and see if they have additional referrals you may contact.
Please post again with your progress and any additional questions/concerns you may have.
Best wishes -----