A herniated disc, also known as a ruptured disc or a slipped disc, is a common condition that develops when a ruptured disc develops, as a result of old age, degeneration, or as a result of an accident or injury. Under this circumstance, a portion of the soft cartilage inside the disc is pushed out of the hard, outer shell. Sometimes herniated discs do not have any symptoms but sometimes the exact location can cause severe pain, such as Herniated disc sciatica – this is where there is a disc herniation in the lower back, which presses on the sciatic nerve.
Most people find that a slipped disc will heal on its own, but in some cases, it may require therapy or surgery. A slipped disc can cause severe pain, and it is important to know if you are suffering from one. The good news is that you can be treated, but first, it’s essential that your doctor makes a diagnosis. That’s why we recommend that you have an MRI scan as soon as possible after discovering any symptoms of a slipped disc injury.
Herniated Disc Injury
A herniated disc injury occurs when the soft gelatinous center of an intervertebral disc (which cushions and separates bones) tears, ruptures or bulges out of its normal space. This can cause pain and symptoms such as tingling, numbness and weakness in the arms or legs.
It’s not uncommon for people to experience back pain at some point in their lives—it’s one of the most common reasons people visit primary care physicians. But if you have symptoms that last longer than six weeks or so, it might be time for an evaluation by another healthcare professional such as a spine specialist (also known as a neurosurgeon). A doctor will review your medical history with you and ask questions about your symptoms before recommending treatment options like medication therapy or surgery if necessary.
What is an MRI?
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a non-invasive diagnostic imaging technique. It uses a strong magnetic field to produce detailed images of the inside of the body. MRI scans are used to diagnose a range of injuries, including herniated discs.
There are two types of MRI scans: traditional and enhanced. Both offer high-quality images and can usually detect small, benign abnormalities better than X-rays or CT scans.
Why is an MRI the best tool for a herniated disc diagnosis?
MRI is a non-invasive procedure, which means that there are no needles or surgery involved. The MRI machine will take images of your spine and provide you with the best possible diagnosis. With this information, you can make an informed decision about what treatment option to pursue.
MRI is painless, so it has become one of the most popular diagnostic tools for herniated discs. It can detect a range of injuries including herniated discs and other spinal cord issues. MRI can help determine the severity of your injury before recommending any kind of treatment plan.
How do I know if I have a slipped disk?
There are many signs and symptoms of a herniated disc that you can look out for. If you experience any of these, or they become prolonged or severe in nature, it could be an indication that you have a slipped disk:
A slipped disc can cause pain and numbness in the back, buttock, or leg. A herniated disc may press on a nerve root and cause sciatica – pain radiating from the lower back down through each buttock into one side of your leg. Sciatica usually affects just one side of the body but can sometimes affect both sides.
The pain from sciatica is often described as sharp lancinating (sharply shooting) although some people describe it as burning. It might feel like lightning bolts going down their legs, throbbing or cramping sensations (like charlie horses), heaviness, aches, or spasms in the lower back muscles which radiate around to the front of their thighs. Find relief by lying flat on their back with knees bent upwards towards their chest. This position compresses the spine’s discs and relieves pressure on nerves exiting through them into surrounding tissues such as ligaments, tendons, and muscles;
What causes a slipped disc?
In slipped discs, the outer membrane tears and allows the gel to leak out. The gel then presses on the nerve root and causes pain.
Slipped discs can occur in any part of your spine, including your neck or lower back, but they are most common in your lumbar spine (lower back).
An MRI can detect a range of injuries, including a Herniated Disc.
MRI scans are a non-invasive test, meaning they do not require any needles or surgery. They are also painless and quick to perform – in some cases, patients can have their scan done the same day.
MRI scans are safe for pregnant women, children, and those with pacemakers.
If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the following symptoms outlined in this article, it’s time to get a FREE Consultation and MRI Review with Deuk Spine Institute. We will help relieve your pain and get you back to living your life without limitations
Conclusion Now, you should know more about slipped disc injury and its diagnosis. By knowing this information, you will be able to deal with the pain better and prevent any further complications. MRI detects slipped disc much faster than other diagnostic methods do. Get regular check-ups done so that if there are any abnormalities found in your body, they can be treated immediately.
