To check if you have a herniated disc, you need to look out for certain symptoms and undergo medical tests for confirmation. A herniated disc occurs when one of the soft, cushion-like discs between the vertebrae in your spine slips out of place. It commonly affects the lower back and neck regions.
The most common symptom of a herniated disc is pain. This pain can vary depending on the location and severity of the herniation. It may be localized to the back or neck area or radiate down the arms or legs. You may also experience tingling, numbness, or weakness in the affected area, especially in your limbs.
To diagnose a herniated disc, your healthcare provider will conduct a thorough physical examination, evaluating your range of motion, strength, and reflexes. They may ask you to perform specific movements to provoke pain or other symptoms. Imaging tests, such as X-rays, MRI scans, or CT scans, may also be ordered to visualize the spine and confirm the presence of a herniation.
Treatment for a herniated disc depends on the severity of symptoms. Initially, conservative approaches like rest, over-the-counter pain medications, physical therapy, and exercises can provide relief. In severe cases, more aggressive interventions like epidural steroid injections or surgical procedures may be required.
It is important to consult a medical professional if you suspect you have a herniated disc. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can significantly improve your symptoms and overall quality of life.
How do doctors test for herniated disc?
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.Jul 1, 2021
How can doctors tell if you have a herniated disc?
Your doctor may recommend an X-ray to look at the vertebrae surrounding a herniated disc. X-rays use high-energy beams of light to create detailed images of the spine. Often, if a disc slips out of place, the space between vertebrae may shrink or the vertebrae may become unstable without the disc to act as a cushion.
How can I test for a herniated disc at home?
One way to determine if you have a herniated disc is by doing a simple test. Lie down on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Place one hand behind your head and gently tilt your head to the opposite side. If you feel pain in your neck when you do this, it may be indicative of a herniated disc.7 days ago
What a herniated disc feels like?
Pain when moving your neck or deep pain near or over the shoulder blade. You may also feel pain that moves to the upper arm, forearm, and fingers and numbness along your shoulder, elbow, forearm, and fingers. These are common symptoms when you have a slipped disc in your neck.
What is the fastest way to heal a herniated disc?
Self care: In most cases, the pain from a herniated disc will get better within a couple days and completely resolve in 4 to 6 weeks. Restricting your activity, ice/heat therapy, and taking over the counter medications will help your recovery.
Is there any medicine for disc bulge?
Steroids work to reduce inflammation in the area near the herniated disc, taking pressure off an affected nerve and relieving pain. Available only by prescription, steroids are typically taken for 7 to 10 days, at which time your doctor reassesses your symptoms before recommending additional treatment.
Do muscle relaxers help a herniated disc?
They cannot treat herniated or bulging discs, but they can reduce pain and allow you to do physical therapy.
Is there a way to fix a bulging disc without surgery?
– Medication. No two people experience a herniated disc in the same way. …
– Weight Loss. …
– Physical Therapy. …
– Corticosteroid Injections. …
– Acupuncture.
What worsens herniated disc pain?
The pain from a herniated disc usually is worse when you are active and gets better when you are resting. Coughing, sneezing, sitting, driving, and bending forward may make the pain worse. The pain gets worse when you make these movements because there is more pressure on the nerve.
