![]() These other causes must be ruled out to reach the correct diagnosis and begin treatment. The reason for the lack of symptoms is not clear, but some medical professionals speculate that disc herniation is even more widespread than commonly thought and often a natural part of aging.Ī major challenge in diagnosing a lumbar herniated disc is the need to distinguish the condition from other causes. Systematic Literature Review of Imaging Features of Spinal Degeneration in Asymptomatic Populations. AJNR American journal of neuroradiology. In some cases, an MRI scan may show an advanced lumbar herniated disc, but the person has no pain or other symptoms.Ģ Brinjikji W, Luetmer PH, Comstock B, et al. Imaging tests alone cannot diagnose a herniated disc. Electromyography (EMG) can pinpoint which nerve root is impacted.See Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan with Myelogram This can show both the size and location of a herniation, but is invasive. CT myelogram is a computed tomography scan using contrast dye in the spinal fluid, with X-rays to view the dye.X-rays are not typically used on their own to diagnose a herniated disc. X-rays are mainly used to rule out problems such as a broken bone, bone abnormalities, infection, tumor, or problems with the alignment of the spine.CT (computed tomography) scan is more likely if there is a reason an MRI is not advised. ![]() It can show where the herniated disc is and how it is impinging on the nerve root. Often, an MRI scan is ordered to aid surgical planning. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) usually provides the most accurate assessment of the lumbar spine area, showing where a herniation has occurred and which nerves are affected.These are the typical imaging tests used to detect a herniate disc: Imaging tests may be included at the initial visit to rule out other possible causes of the patient's symptoms such as a fracture, tumor, infection, or caudal equina syndrome. The doctor will observe whether the patient appears to be walking slowly due to pain, or with an abnormal gait. See Osteomyelitis, a Spinal Infection Gait monitoring Vital signs checkĪn increase in pulse rate or blood pressure can be an indication of pain, and an elevated temperature may be a sign of infection. The effect of age on result of straight leg raising test in patients suffering lumbar disc herniation and sciatica. Journal of Research in Medical Sciences : The Official Journal of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Some of the medical literature has found the straight-leg-raise test is not as helpful for indicating lumbar herniated discs in people older than age 60.ġ Tabesh H, Tabesh A, Fakharian E, Fazel M, Abrishamkar S. Variations on these stretches include performing the test from a seated position or while the legs are crossed. If raising the unaffected leg hurts the affected leg, it also indicates that a nerve root is impinged or irritated. If pain occurs when the leg is raised at a 30- to 70-degree angle, it is considered a sign of lumbar disc herniation. For this test, the patient lies down flat on the back and the doctor gently raises the affected leg until pain is felt. That test may also reveal the herniated disc in great detail.One common stretch to test for a herniated disc is the straight leg raise, or LaSegue, test. Another less used test is the CT myelogram of the cervical spine. Usually the MRI will not be done unless you have had symptoms for several weeks. The MRI is best for evaluating the soft tissue in the spine and neck and is therefore the best way to find the slipped disk. herniated disk: Whats the difference Whats the difference between a bulging disk and a herniated disk Answer From Randy A. Is the CT scan better than the MRI for diagnosing an herniated disc?– No. The CT is very good to check for fracture. CT scans also look at bones and use x-rays but takes very thin slices of the bone and is more detailed than a plain x-ray. A neck or cervical x-ray can reveal a fracture, tumor, arthritis or instability. The MRI is most sensitive and will usually be ordered if you have persistent neck pain with pain radiating down the arm, with arm numbness and tingling or weakness. To see the disc you must obtain a CT scan or MRI. Seth Neubardt, cervical spine surgical expert tells how the x-ray is used to check the bones in the neck but it cannot reveal a herniated disc. What’s The Difference Between An X-Ray, CT Scan and MRI? Which Is Best For Herniated Disc?Ĭlick here to download a full video transcript.ĭo I need an x-ray, CT scan or MRI to diagnose the herniated disc in my neck? Which is best for a herniated cervical disc? What’s the difference between the x-ray, CT and MRI scan? Dr.
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