What can mimic a herniated disc?

Patients with paralumbar spine diseases such as superior cluneal nerve entrapment neuropathy (NEN), gluteus medius muscle pain, piriformis syndrome, and sacroiliac joint pain experience lowback, buttock, and leg pain.

How do you prove a herniated disc?

A computerized axial tomography scan (a CT or CAT scan) or a magnetic resonance imaging test (an MRI) both can show soft tissue of a bulging disc. These tests will show the stage and location of the herniated disc so you can receive proper treatment.

What method of imaging is best for herniated discs?

Preferred examinations for the evaluation of disk herniation include MRI of the spine (lumbosacral, thoracic, or cervical images), bone scanning, and CT scanning of the spine (lumbosacral, thoracic, or cervical images).

Can a doctor tell if you have a slipped disc?

What happens at your appointment. Your GP will usually be able to tell if you have a slipped disc from your symptoms. You may also have a physical examination.

Can a herniated disc be misdiagnosed?

The answer is yes. In fact, a misdiagnosed herniated disc is one of the most common reasons for patients to endure chronic neck or back pain. Herniated discs are often misdiagnosed as piriformis syndrome, a muscular disorder in the buttocks, as well as mild sciatica, degenerative disc disease, and osteoarthritis.

What is a micro dissecting me?

Microdiscectomy, also sometimes called microdecompression or microdiskectomy, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed on patients with a herniated lumbar disc. During this surgery, a surgeon will remove portions of the herniated disc to relieve pressure on the spinal nerve column.

What is a Discogram?

A discogram, also called discography, is an imaging test used to evaluate back pain. A discogram might help your doctor determine if a specific abnormal disk in your spine is causing your back pain.

Do you need an MRI to diagnose a herniated disc?

Is an MRI necessary for diagnosing a herniated disc? Some physicians continue to recommend X-ray and CT scanning. However, herniated disc MRI is the most preferred diagnostic procedure since it is the most sensitive imaging technique for this condition and does not expose the patient to unnecessary radiation.

What type of doctor treats herniated disc in back?

Herniated discs are quite common and do not always need treatment. Most of the time they can be healed by rest; however, if symptoms persist, you may need to see an orthopedic surgeon near you specializing in spine surgery.

What is a discectomy procedure?

Discectomy is surgery to remove lumbar (low back) herniated disc material that is pressing on a nerve root or the spinal cord. It tends to be done as microdiscectomy, which uses a special microscope to view the disc and nerves.