Herniated Disc DiagnosisHerniated disc diagnosis is a fairly straight forward process, but must be done correctly. Diagnosis entails a confirmation of the existence of a disc herniation in the spine, as well as a comprehensive prognosis for how the condition might affect the individual in the future.
Misdiagnosed Herniated Disc Herniated Disc Compressing the Spinal Cord Herniated Disc Compressing a Nerve Learn the Difference Between a Bulging Disc and a Herniated Disc.
In addition to a
herniated disc,
there are many other independent or related diagnoses which might be discovered in the patient's spine:Chremical Radiculitis Herniated Disc Diagnosis ModalitiesThe only way that a herniated disc can be accurately diagnosed is with a detailed soft tissue imaging study, such as an MRI, CT scan or myelogram. The myelogram is the least effective method, while the CT scan is adequate. The best method of visualizing a herniated disc is using the advanced technology offered by the MRI.X-rays will not be able to diagnose a herniated disc in most cases. X-rays will simply show disc height in relation to the vertebral bones and are often used for diagnosing degenerative disc disease, as well as any herniation condition. Truthfully, X-rays should not be used to diagnose ANY soft tissue condition or injury.
Some care practitioners claim to be able to diagnose a disc herniation merely by touch or feel. Some also claim they can diagnose the condition with a simple physical exam and range of motion test. These methods might be part of a full diagnostic procedure, but are not an accurate means of positively identifying any back pain syndrome, including
bulging
or
ruptured discs.
Do not put you faith in any diagnosis which has been accomplished through any of these means. Make sure to insist on an MRI study to confirm the presence of a herniation, as well as to visualize the exact effects which might be produced on the surrounding spinal tissues. Herniated Disc Diagnosis / Nocebo EffectThe diagnostic procedure is far more involved than simply identifying the existence of a herniated disc. In fact, that is the easiest and least important facet of the procedure… The most critical aspect of the diagnosis is how the news is presented to the affected patient. This is where doctors can create or negate the possibility of a chronic back pain syndrome, simply by their choice of words.If the doctor informs the patient the real facts about disc herniations and how they are common, widely experienced and rarely problematic, the patient will be placed on a course towards true recovery. Even painful disc conditions will typically resolve when treated with this simple diagnostic formula. However, this is not the usual approach taken by the majority of care givers. Far more common is something more like this… “You have a HERNIATED DISC in your spine. This disc is pressing on some nerves and is causing you severe pain. This is a serious condition and will require ongoing and treatment and possibly even surgery. I want to see you again, next week so that we can set up a therapy plan. Till then, stay in bed and don’t move…” This approach will create pain where none exists, worsen and perpetuate pain that already exists and intensify general anxiety, fear and psychosomatic implications of the condition. In essence, this diagnostic method does exponentially more damage than the actual herniated disc could ever do on its own… This is called the
NOCEBO EFFECT…
Advice on Herniated Disc DiagnosisMost importantly, do not allow any doctor, therapist or chiropractor to convince you that you have a herniated disc without proper diagnostic imaging studies. Secondly, do not buy into the hype surrounding the herniated disc mythology. The majority of disc herniations do not cause any pain at all. Those which are initially painful can and will heal, even without any medical treatment. Third, if your doctor tries to convince you otherwise and pushes you into some drastic treatment option prematurely, consider finding a new doctor…Obviously, all herniations are case specific and highly individual conditions. Some disc herniations can present severe symptoms, such as cauda equina syndrome, but it must be known that these are the extreme minority of cases. If you have a medical emergency due to a disc condition, there will be NO DOUBT. If you have doubt, stick to the above advice and treat the condition conservatively. Most of all, continue to learn about herniated discs and how they are really just another ultra common occurrence in the life cycle of a typical human spine. Herniated Disc Diagnosis to Herniated Disc 6/15/08 Revised 12/13/11 |
Sensei Adam Rostocki
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