All about herniated disc  causes of herniated discs symptoms of herniated disc diagnosis of herniated disc treatment for herniated discs prevention of herniated disc |
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How is a herniated disc diagnosed?
A health professional can often diagnose a herniated disc using a medical history and physical examination. For patients
with leg and back pain, the doctor will take a medical history and conduct a physical exam to determine whether symptoms might be caused by a herniated disc. Several radiographic tests are useful for confirming a diagnosis of disk herniation and locating the source of pain. These tests also help the surgeon indicate the extent of the surgery needed to fully decompress the nerve. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan may be done to confirm the location and seriousness of a herniated disc or to look for another condition, such as an infection or tumor. An MRI provides detailed images of the soft tissues of the spine, such as the muscles, tendons, ligaments and discs. Computed tomography (CT) scans may also be done to provide detailed images of bony structures of the spine. Other tests, such as blood tests, may also be done to rule out other conditions. X rays show structural changes of the lumbar spine. Myelography is a special x ray of the spine in which a dye or air is injected into the patient's spinal canal. The patient lies strapped to a table as the table tilts in various directions and spot x rays are taken. X rays showing a narrowed dye column in the intervertebral disk area indicate possible disk herniation. |
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More information on herniated disc
What is a herniated disc? - A herniated disc is a common cause of lower back pain. Disks are round, flat, plate-like structures between the vertebrae in the spinal column.
What causes herniated discs? - Herniated discs are caused by aging, degeneration of the disc or injury to the spine. A herniated disc can be caused by any type of intense pressure.
What're symptoms of herniated disc? - The most common symptom of a herniated disk is lower back pain following a fall, injury to the back, or after lifting a heavy object.
How is a herniated disc diagnosed? - A health professional can often diagnose a herniated disc using a medical history and physical examination.
What's the treatment for herniated discs? - Herniated disk (with or without sciatica) will respond to conservative treatment. Surgical techniques repair a herniated disk.
How to prevent herniated disc? - Proper exercises to strengthen the lower back and abdominal muscles are key in preventing excess stress and compressive forces on lumbar herniated discs. |
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