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Diagnosis of Herniated Discs
The diagnosis of herniated discs can be a scary experience for a patient. We have all heard horror stories about
disc injuries
and how some patients never recover. This diagnosis can create a powerful
nocebo effect
on the patient that can last forever. Many patients never get past the idea that a structure in their back has failed and left them "DAMAGED GOODS"

Diagnosis of Herniated Discs Methods
Diagnosing a
herniated disc
is usually accomplished by a medical
doctor
or
chiropractor.
The diagnosis is typically made through a series of usual steps…* Interview about the nature of the pain and the patients general health. * Physical exam to check for pain, tingling,
numbness
or weakness. * X-rays might be performed, but they WILL NOT show a herniated disc.
* MRI of the spine
can confirm disc injury. * CT Scan (Computed Tomography) can diagnose herniated discs. * Myelogram is an advanced test to detect disc abnormalities and other spinal problems.
Diagnosing Herniated Discs / BEWARE !!!
Beware of chiropractors, or other care providers, who say they can diagnose herniated discs by simply touching you. There is no sure way to determine a disc injury through touch alone. Personally I have met at least a few chiropractors who insisted they can “feel” even slight disc irregularities with their touch alone. If you are being treated by an care provider who claims to have a “magical” ability to diagnose by sight or touch alone… RUN ! ...RUN FAST and don’t look back. An MRI is always a safe bet when a herniated disc is suspected. This will confirm the existence of a herniation as well as show any potential neurological effects the disc might be creating in the spine.
Diagnosis of Herniated Discs to Back Pain Home
5/16/06 Revised 10/20/09

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