Kinds of Tests Done To Diagnose A Herniated Disc

A herniated disc is a very common condition, usually happening more to men than to women. You may or you may not feel any spinal pain from this condition because it would depend on whether there is contact with the spinal nerve or not.

There are several tests that a doctor can do to find out the extent and condition of your bulging disc which is another term for a herniated disc. These are diagnostic tests that range from the simple physical exam to more complex and expensive tests.

Initially, your doctor will be asking you a few pertinent questions about a possible slipped disc. These are questions regarding location of the pain, when it started, and what you were doing at the time you first experienced the spinal pain. He will also want to know if you underwent any kind of herniated disc treatment, who did it, and what it involved. Finally, it is imperative you inform him of pain in any other part of your body because it might be related to your bulging disc condition.

The initial slipped disc diagnostic tests that will be done are the CT scan, MRI scan, and the Discogram. The CT scan is just like an x-ray that will section out part of your body so that the doctor can zero in on specific parts. The MRI scan will provide your doctor with an accurate and sensitive look into your spine, spinal nerves, disc height, disc alignment, configuration, and hydration.

A Discogram involves injecting a radiographic dye into each disc to find the real cause for your pain. When you feel pain, then the doctor can more or less pinpoint which disc is causing the pain. This is not a test that is usually done because it is relatively new and unchartered.

These 3 tests are not conclusive tests, rather pieces of a puzzle that your doctor will have to solve. For further diagnosis, your doctor will require you to undergo a physical exam with a few stretching, bending exercises. The point of pain will also suggest a piece of the puzzle.

Your spine will also be tested for curvature and alignment. It is important to note if there is unusual tightness in the spine because this is also a good indication of a herniated disc.

Other tests that can be done are neurological to check your reflexes; an EMG to find out how your nerves respond to stimuli; a blood test, and a bone scan. Herniated disc treatment will depend on the results of all your tests. The extreme herniated disc treatment would be surgery, but only 1 out 10 patients will be considered for this kind of treatment.