First: The Term ‘Herniated Disk’ and ‘Herniated Discs’ are the same thing. People often simply misspell, although ‘Herniated Disc’ is the proper spelling.
Herniated Discs Image via Wikipedia
So how to diagnose Herniated Discs?
Imaging tests for spinal disc herniation is invaluable in diagnosing this condition and in ruling out other disorders that may cause similar symptoms, such as disc degeneration, spondylolisthesis, tumors, metastases and other space-occupying lesions. It is also used to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment options in the patient.
Important Imaging Tests for Diagnosing Herniated Discs are -
• Plain X-rays: Although visualization of the disc and its surrounding areas is limited, X-ray could identify or rule out other possible disorders, such fractures, tumors, and infections.
• CT scans: Aside from being able to visualize the herniated disc, it also shows the shape and size of the spinal canal, its contents, and surroundings structures like soft tissues.
• MRI scans: Aside from visualizing the same structures that could be seen on CT scan, MRIs can also show the spinal cord, nerve roots and surrounding structures, especially the soft tissues. Signs of enlargement, degeneration and tumors are detectable on MRI.
• Myelogram: Injection of contrast material into the spinal canal will show displacement of the dye indicating lesions that compress the spinal cord and its nerves, such as disc herniations, bone spurs, or tumors.
• Electromyelogram and Nerve Conduction Studies (EMG/NCS): By measuring the electrical impulses that pass along the nerve roots, peripheral nerves and muscles, the presence of or extent of nerve damage can be assessed or another site of nerve compression can be identified.
If you are diagnosing herniated discs, or think your have a herniated disk, be sure you get some professional medical care and Knowledge is Power, and advice- this is not for the do-it-yourselfer!
Once you are sure of the diagnosis, and are sure you suffer from a herniated disk, however, you should investigate what are the various back pain treatment options here, you may need to do exercises at home or even surgery in order to bring back spine, lumbar, cervical (neck) region and back health.
