Diagnosis of a herniated disc

In more than 30 years practice as a spinal injury lawyer I have had to stay abreast of developments in the medical field, and in that time I have come across many interesting facts.

Statistically, 1 in 8 Americans between the ages of 30 and 50 years old will be treated for a herniated disc. These statistics do not include those persons who, although they have a herniated disc, do not receive medical treatment, or those persons who are involved in an accident that results in a herniated disc.

Most herniated discs manifest their presence with a sudden onset of pain in the neck, back or arms. The pain can be caused by either a tear in the outer fibrous layer of the spinal disc; the pressure of the fluid forcing its way through the tear, and putting pressure on a nerve; or as a result of a vertebral nerve end swelling because of irritation and inflammation.

When seeing a physician for the first time with a sore neck or back, the physician will perform a series of tests, aimed at identifying whether or not the pain is a result of muscular pain, or as a result of a herniated disc. The physician will perform a complete examination of the patients’ arms and neck, as well as the lower extremities of the body. The neck and back will be checked for flexibility, and the range of movements without pain. The physician will also look out for diminished strength, and reflexes will be tested.

Questions regarding pain, numbness, and whether or not “pins and needles” is being felt will be asked, in an attempt to isolate the affliction.

A herniated disc can occur anywhere along the spine, in the neck (cervical region), upper back (thoracic) area, or in the lower back (lumbar) area. It is however most common in the lower back, as this is the portion of the back that is subject to the most weight.

Generally a physician will be able to diagnose a herniated disc based only on the initial examination. The physician cannot however determine the severity of the herniation without either a CT or MRI scan. The MRI scan will pinpoint the site and the size of the herniated disc. Although X-rays are not a reliable source of diagnosis, as a herniation will not show on an x-ray, they are often used to exclude other potential causes of the pain.

Many instances of herniated discs disappear over a period of a few weeks, with the only treatment being a course of medication. However, many do not disappear, and although rare, it does happen that a herniated disc can invalid a person.

If you have been involved in an accident, and you experience any back pain at all, it is in your own best interests to consult with your doctor as soon as possible.

Contact me via my contact form, or call me, Toll Free, on 888 446 1999, to arrange your first free consultation with me. I won’t charge you for any costs or fees if I am unable to secure money compensation for you.

The purpose of these web articles are not to make comment about an individual's personal choices, but are intended to educate you about the possible paths of outcome of various spinal injuries.

This website is provided as a public service regarding the topic of spinal injury and is not to be relied upon as medical or legal advice. The information supplied is of a general nature only, and is not intended to be relied upon. This information is not represented to be the most up to date or to cover your particular circumstances.

Before deciding to obtain care, treatment, or to determine a diagnosis, please consult with a licensed physician, and concerning your legal rights please consult with a lawyer.

Warning: Do not let any medical or legal concerns wait because of any information you have read on this website.

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