What Is a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc occurs when the tissue that pads the vertebrae begins to bulge or poke outside of the vertebrae and causes excess pressure on the nerves in the spine. It's a common injury that can cause pain in the legs, arms, low back or neck, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).
Physical Exam and Medical History
First, your doctor will obtain a complete medical history to determine any injuries, illnesses, diseases or health conditions that could be responsible for your pain. He'll also ask for specifics about your symptoms, says the AAOS. Be ready to provide details about your pain, the intensity and how long you've been experiencing it. The doctor also will perform a physical exam to spot the location of the pain and any nerve roots that are damaged and causing the pain, says the AAOS.
X-rays
An X-ray may be all that's needed to diagnose a herniated disc. An X-ray can indicate changes in the spine, degeneration of the spine or a disc, or any abnormalities in the spinal cord, discs or vertebrae that could signal a herniated disc, says the AAOS.
Imaging Tests
A CT scan (computed tomography) or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) test might be performed to diagnose a herniated disc, according to the AAOS. These tests offer multi-dimensional images that can show exactly which disc is herniated. The doctor might order another test, an electromyography, to determine nerve impulses that are sent to the muscles to diagnose a herniated disc.
