Herniated Disc MRIHerniated disc MRI tests are used to confirm suspected bulging or ruptured disc conditions. It is crucial to use proper diagnostic methods when determining the exact nature of a disc pain syndrome. X-rays are not sufficient to diagnose a disc herniation, since they only accurately depict bone matter and show soft tissue as a mere dark spot on the film.
An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a wonderfully detailed and thorough medical imaging technology which will clearly show every bodily structure in the studied area. The MRI will detail bone conditions, disc conditions and even show possible neurological involvement in
back pain
patients. MRI technology will give an accurate picture of what exactly is going on with any painful herniated disc, including whether or not it is affecting the spinal cord or nerve roots exiting from the
neuroforaminal
openings. An MRI is perhaps the very best diagnostic tool in the entire back pain field. But do not forget… MRI results are still open to INTERPRETATION. Several doctors might read the exact same results in a variety of ways…
Some doctors use the MRI as an objective fact finding tool. They simply look at the images and decide whether or not a herniated disc is likely to be the cause of a given pain condition. Most doctors understand that herniations and
disc degeneration
are a normal part of life for many patients and are not necessarily the cause of any problematic symptoms. These impartial doctors might even be so brave as to advise a patient that a
herniated disc
exists, but does not seem to be the cause of any painful condition.However, other doctors take the opportunity to exploit any disc abnormality. They will use the diagnostic nocebo effect to impart fear into the hearts of patients who demonstrate even the mildest and asymptomatic disc abnormality. Telling a 40 year old that they have degeneration in the lumbar spine is like telling them that they are getting some wrinkles and gray hair… nothing more! It would be unusual to find an adult without spinal degeneration… However; this still does not prevent these doctors from using the disc as a scapegoat for pain, regardless of what the actual MRI test reveals. This is and always has been one of my biggest personal complaints with the profit driven back pain industry. While some doctors are incredible care givers, others actually MANUFACTURE pain as a means of achieving financial success. IT MAKES ME SICK… Oh yes, I should mention… IT WAS DONE TO ME… MANY TIMES, during my 18 years of suffering from back pain. Most of my fear and anxiety was a direct result of the doomsday attitude provided by the diagnostic radiologists and the orthopedic surgeons they worked for… According to some of these doctors, I was on the verge of compete
disability.
Herniated Disc MRI AdviceJust because you have a confirmed diagnosis of a herniated disc or degenerative disc disease on an MRI means NOTHING AT ALL. Most of these confirmed disc herniations cause no pain whatsoever or only cause pain for a short time. I am living proof! I still have 1 herniated disc and 1 ruptured disc, as well as a host of other spinal conditions. I am pain free now, even though I suffered greatly for most of my adult life. I was lucky to learn the truth about herniated discs and find a real and permanent cure. This was a virtual miracle for me after being a pawn of the medical professions for 18 years…Remember to keep objectivity when it comes to diagnosed disc pain. Millions are misdiagnosed every year and wind up on the same path I was forced down during those 18 long years. Eventually after countless unsuccessful attempts at treatment, most patients finally wake up. Why endure that long battle unnecessarily? Learn the facts about herniated discs now and make up your own mind… Herniated Disc MRI to Herniated Disc 7/5/08 Revised 7/17/11 |
Sensei Adam Rostocki
Mission Statement
Editorial Board
Legal
Privacy Policy
Site Funding Disclosure
Source Material