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Diagnosis of Herniated DiscsThe 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 a herniated disc is usually done by a medical doctor or chiropractor. The diagnosis is 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, numbness or weakness. * X-rays might be performed, but they WILL NOT show a herniated disc. * MRI ( Magnetic Resonance Imaging) can confirm disc injury. * CT Scan (Computed Tomography) can diagnose herniated discs. * Myelogram is an advanced test to detect disc and other spine problems.
BEWARE !!!Beware of Chiropractors, or other care providers, that 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 that insisted they can “feel” even slight disc irregularities with their touch alone.
If you are being treated by an care provider that claims to have a “magical” ability to diagnose by sight or touch alone… RUN ! ...RUN FAST and don’t look back.
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