Diagnosis and Tests Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): The most common and accurate imaging test for a suspected herniated disk is an MRI. X-rays: Getting X-rays helps rule out other causes of back or neck pain. Computed tomography (CT): A CT scan show the bones of your spine.
The most common imaging for this condition is MRI. Plain x-rays of the affected region are often added to complete the evaluation of the vertebra. Please note, a disc herniation cannot be seen on plain x-rays.
In nearly all cases, surgeons can remove just the protruding portion of the disk. Rarely, the entire disk must be removed. In these cases, the vertebrae might need to be fused with a bone graft. To allow the process of bone fusion, which takes months, metal hardware is placed in the spine to provide spinal stability.
Your GP will usually be able to tell if you have a slipped disc from your symptoms. You may also have a physical examination. Your GP might ask you to raise your arms or do simple leg exercises to find out where the slipped disc is.
Bulging discs can be treated by physiotherapy through a few different techniques. What happens in your appointment: In your first appointment, your physiotherapist will assess your body, your movement and your pain. Information and education to understand your bulging disc through scans/x-rays (if you have one).
Electromyogram. If you feel pain radiating into your arms or legs, or weakness, tingling, or numbness, an electromyogram (EMG) can reveal whether nerves are being pinched as a result of a herniated disc. An EMG measures the electrical impulses transmitted along nerves, nerve roots, and muscle tissue.
Causes Of Bulging Disc
Body mechanics and poor posture that put stress on the spinal disc. Torsion of disc from repetitive work with a lot of bending, twisting or lifting. Sitting, standing driving or working for long periods of time. Sustaining back injury from a severe fall.
A herniated disk is a condition that can occur anywhere along the spine, but most often occurs in the lower back. It is sometimes called a bulging, protruding, or ruptured disk. It is one of the most common causes of lower back pain, as well as leg pain, or sciatica.
A bulging disk can push against the spinal cord and nerve roots, leading to severe pain and problems with mobility. Treatment may include a combination of medication, physical therapy, and self-care. In severe cases, a person may need surgery.
Your doctor might recommend surgery as an option for your herniated disc if: Your symptoms have lasted at least 6 weeks and make it hard to do your normal activities, and other treatments haven't helped. You need to get better quickly because of your job or to get back to your other activities as soon as possible.
An L4-L5 disc bulge or slip-disc (slipped disc) pinches and leads to serious health issues, including impotence, reproduction issues, infertility, loss of bowel and bladder control, or paralysis in one or both legs.
Bladder incontinence can occur because of a bulging disc compressing the nerves that control the bladder. In this case, seek emergency medical help immediately. Upper back pain radiating to the stomach or chest may be a symptom of a mid-spine bulging disc. Muscle spasms may also occur with any bulging disc.
Tumors of the spinal cord or near the sciatic or femoral plexus can cause neural compression and clinical signs similar to those of disc herniation. Such tumors are usually misdiagnosed as discal herniation and appropriate treatment is delayed.
An untreated herniated disk can get worse. That's especially true if you continue the activities that caused it — for instance, if it developed because of your work. A worsening ruptured disk may cause chronic (ongoing) pain and loss of control or sensation in the affected area.
This herniation of the disc can result in a large bulge that can press on nearby nerve roots, causing pain. However, herniated discs don't always hurt. In fact, it's entirely possible to have a herniated disc and not know it. Herniated discs only cause pain when the herniated area pushes on a nerve root in the spine.
Chiropractic is a preferred treatment option for many people with bulging and herniated discs because it is a non-invasive process and does not require drugs or injections. Once you have reached your diagnosis, you and your chiropractor can work hand in hand to look for the best way to treat your condition.
Deep Tissue Massage: There are more than 100 types of massage, but deep tissue massage is an ideal option if you have a herniated disc because it uses a great deal of pressure to relieve deep muscle tension and spasms, which develop to prevent muscle motion at the affected area.
Most disc bulges resolve in 6-8 weeks, but it can take longer depending on the size of the bulge (i.e. if the bulge is hitting the nerve behind it like described above).
If the repeated forward bending stress continues, or the improper body mechanics continue, very often the inner disc material will continue to push backwards, causing the disc bulge to worsen, to herniate, progressing into the spinal canal and towards the spinal cord.
The best way to tell if you have a herniated disk is to see your doctor. They'll likely do a physical exam to find the source of your pain. This usually is the only test you'll need to confirm a diagnosis. Your doctor will check your back for sore or painful spots.
Whether you have a disc protrusion or a herniated disc, your first visit should be to a chiropractor. Chiropractors specialize in non-invasive, drug-free treatment that focuses on the root of your pain and discomfort rather than simply masking the symptoms.
The Difference Between Muscle and Disc Pain
Muscle pain will feel like post-workout soreness, while disc pain will feel debilitating and tingly. It is helpful to know the difference before you see your doctor so you can accurately describe the pain to them.