Diagnosis of Herniated Discs

The scope of this article will look at the actual diagnostic process used to identify disc protrusions in the human spine. However, the psychological effects of herniations will also be discussed, since these are just as important to understand as their physical counterparts.

Diagnosis of Herniated Discs Methods

Interview the patient about the nature of their pain and their general health. Any instances of back or neck injury should be thoroughly discussed and evaluated.

A physical exam should always be performed to check for pain, tingling, numbness or weakness anywhere in the anatomy.

X-rays might be performed, but they WILL NOT show a herniated disc. They may however, provide enough evidence of a potential disc abnormality to order an MRI study.

MRI of the spine can confirm almost any variety of disc injury. MRI can also visualize many of the soft tissues which may contribute to a symptomatic expression, such as ligamentum flavum hypertrophy.

CT Scan (computed tomography) is less expensive than MRI and can also effectively diagnose many disc issues. CT is not as useful for determining possible neurological effects of said herniation, however.

Myelogram is an advanced test to detect disc abnormalities and other spinal problems.

Diagnosis of Herniated Discs / Psychological

The way to fight the negative psychoemotional consequences of the diagnostic process is with the simple power of knowledge. Patents fear what they do not know. Patients also fear the misconceptions and myths they have been told all their lives about herniations. Learning the facts about disc conditions will set them free from this considerable worry and anxiety.

The diagnostician should always consider the psychological factors and must do everything in their power to tell the patient the simple truths of herniated discs and how most are nothing of concern. Unfortunately, many opportunistic doctors take the opposite stance, purposefully vilifying even the most innocent disc abnormalities in order to profit financially from extended or drastic treatment.

In my 25 years active research and participation in the back pain treatment sector, I see this all the time, but it still sickens me at each and every occurrence.

Diagnosis of Herniated Discs / Beware

No, the straight leg raising test means absolutely nothing and does not correlate to the incidence of disc herniation. This is an antiquated myth at best and a purposeful deceit at worst.

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.