Can an x-ray show a herniated Disc?
A medical history and a physical examination are enough to diagnose most herniated-disc cases. Before deciding which type is best for your case, your doctor will first perform a physical exam and take a medical history. The causes of chronic low back or leg discomfort can be many. Many patients are able to avoid having surgery by receiving conservative treatment, which may include chiropractic care, massage therapy, and pain medication.
This is why it is so important to have a thorough and accurate medical evaluation before considering having surgery. During your physical exam, your doctor may check your back for tenderness. To help diagnose the problem, your doctor may ask you to lie down flat and allow you to move your legs.
To make sure you are healthy, your doctor may conduct a neuro exam.
- Reflexes
- Muscle power
- Walking ability
- Ability to feel vibrations, pinpricks of light touches
A general physical exam and a detailed medical history will suffice for most cases of herniated distal. If your doctor believes you might have another condition or need to examine the affected nerves, he/she may order one or more of these tests.
What is the difference between a herniated disc or a ruptured disc?
Although not directly life-threatening in nature, herniated spinal disease can have severe consequences on mobility and general health. The main cause for disc herniation, as the disc’s nucleus of mucus is displaced from its initial position, is compression of the nerves. Other risk factors for disc injury include:
- Due to age: With the aging process, discs are dehydrated, sclerosed or easily damaged. disc herniation. A disc herniation can occur due to injuries in the back or from overwork, motion, and labor. Obesity, especially in the lower lumbar, can lead to herniated spines. If she is not treated soon, herniated spines can cause severe complications.
Can X-ray detect disc herniation?
The X-ray method allows you to view the outside of the body while still seeing the changes within bones, joints and organs. These images are created by the high-powered beams ofX-rays that are emitted from theX-ray machine. They penetrate soft tissue and body fluids. The doctor can then diagnose the illness from these images. However, dense tissues, such as bone, will blockX-rays a lot. If the tissue has a high density,X-rays may be less perceptible.
X-Rays can be used to diagnose disc herniation. This is a type of disease in which the nucleus pulposus, or the disc capsule, bursts. Then the body compresses certain organs and causes the patient pain. Because the spinal structures of the patient have less damage,X-rays are unable to detect mild cases.
What is the use of X-ray for herniated Disc disease? Accordingly, X-rays can only:
If this portion of the nucleus has flooded, compressing and narrowing the intervertebral spacing, you can diagnose the disease. The doctor can also view the patient’s spine and determine if there are any symptoms such as lumbar or cervical spondylosis. If the contrast material was injected, it is possible to obtain an indirect image from the nucleus pulposus. This can show the extent of the overflowing, compression of the nerve, or even the damage to the spinal cord. This is the best option for patients with poor financial conditions who live far from hospitals and medical centers. These images are useful for temporary diagnoses.
Procedure and Notes for the X-ray of a herniated disc
TheX-ray process for herniated or damaged disc. The steps are as below:
- Step 1: Ask the patient to remove any jewelry, clothing or metal attachments from the patient so that theX-ray process is not affected.
- Step 2: asks the patient whether he wants to lie down, or to stand up to enable theX-ray to show the herniated area. The entire imaging process takes less than 5-10 minutes. There will be images. After the images have been processed, the radiologist will record the results and analyze them.
- Step 3: Ask your patient to do additional tests such as CT scans, magnetic resonance, and other diagnostics to determine if there are any abnormalities in the spine. 4.2. Notes duringX-rays for herniated Disc
- Women who are pregnant should not have their X-rays taken to rule out herniated discs. Pregnancy can be detrimental to the development of your fetus. It is important to remove hairpins and jewelry from your body, as they can interfere with theX-ray. To help diagnose the condition quickly and to provide quick treatment for herniated spines, patients should go to the hospital that specializes in rheumatology.
Imaging tests
- X-rays. PlainX-rays cannot detect herniated spines but they can rule in other causes like an infection, tumor, or broken bone.
- CT scan. CT scan uses a series ofX-rays coming from different directions. It then combines these to create cross sections of the spinal column and surrounding structures.
- MRI. Radio waves and strong magnetic fields are used to take pictures of the internal structure of the body. This test can confirm the position of the herniated femur and reveal which nerves have been affected.
- Myelogram. Before a CT is taken, a dye can be injected into spinal fluid. This test can determine whether there are any pressures on the spinal cord or nerves because of multiple herniated distal Discs or another condition.
Nerve tests
Both nerve conduction and electromyography measure the movement of electrical impulses along nerve tissue. This can help to locate nerve damage.
- Nerve conduction study. This test measures electrical nerve impulses, functioning in the nerves and muscles using electrodes that are applied to the skin. The study measures nerve impulses when a small amount of current passes through the nerve.
- Electromyography, also known as EMG. The doctor will insert a needle electrode through your skin and into various muscles to perform an electromyography (EMG). The test measures electrical activity in the muscles when they are contracted and at rest.
Treatment
Most people find relief from symptoms with conservative treatment within a few weeks or days. It consists of changing activities that prevent movement that causes pain and taking medication.
Medications
- Nonprescription pain medicine. Your doctor might recommend pain medication that is not prescribed if you are experiencing mild or moderate pain. These medications include acetaminophen and ibuprofen (Advil IB, Motrin, etc.) as well as naproxen sodium (Aleve).
- Neuropathic drugs. These drugs block nerve impulses and reduce pain. These include gabapentin and pregabalin (Gralise Horizant, Neurontin), duloxetine(Cymbalta or Drizalma Spray), and venlafaxine/Effexor XR.
- Muscle relaxers. These drugs may be prescribed if muscle spasms are present. Side effects that include dizziness and sedation are quite common.
- Opioids. Many doctors do not recommend opioids for the treatment of disc herniation due the risk of addiction and side-effects. If other medications don’t relieve your pain, your doctor might consider short-term use of opioids, such as codeine or an oxycodone-acetaminophen combination (Percocet, Oxycet). These drugs could cause constipation, nausea and confusion as well as sedation.
- Cortisone injections. If pain continues to persist despite taking oral medications, your doctor may recommend injecting corticosteroid medication into the area of the spinal nerves. Spinal imaging may help to guide the needle.
Therapy
Your doctor might recommend physical therapy in order to reduce your pain. You may be shown exercises and positions by physical therapists to help reduce the pain associated with a herniated Disc.
Surgery
Dissection of herniated part of spinal disc
Discectomy
A few people have herniated their Discs and need surgery. If the symptoms don’t improve within six weeks of treatment, your doctor may recommend surgery.
- Poorly controlled pain
- Numbness or weakness
- Difficulty standing and walking
- Loss in bladder control
Nearly all cases allow surgeons to remove only the protruding portions of the Disc. In rare cases, however, it is necessary to remove the entire Disc. In these instances, the vertebrae might need fusion with a bony graft. Metal hardware is placed in your spine to support the spinal column. This allows bone fusion to take months. An artificial Disc might be suggested by your surgeon in rare instances.
Lifestyle and home remedies
In addition to taking the pain medications prescribed by your doctor, consider these options:
- Applying heat and cold. You can use cold packs initially to reduce pain and inflammation. After a while, gentle heat may be used to relieve pain and provide comfort.
- Avoid excessive rest. To complicate your recovery, it is a good idea to avoid too much rest. Instead, try to get comfortable for at least 30 minutes and then take a short walk or do some office work. Avoid doing activities that cause pain.
- Take it slow when you resume your activities. Let your pain guide you in resuming your activities. Move slowly and control your movements, especially when you’re bending forward and lifting.
- Alternative medicine
There are alternative and complementary medicine options that can help with chronic back pain. Examples include:
- Chiropractic. Spinal manipulation was moderately effective for low-back pain, lasting at least a year. Chiropractic treatment of the neck may cause strokes in rare cases.
- Acupuncture. Although results are sometimes modest, acupuncture is effective in relieving chronic neck and back pain.
- Massage. This can provide relief for people with chronic low back problems.
Preparing for your appointment
The best way to get started is to see your family doctor. You might be referred for neurology, orthopedic surgery or physical medicine and rehabilitation.
What you are able to do:
The following questions must be answered prior to your appointment.
- When did your symptoms start?
- At the time of your symptoms, were there any lifting, pushing, pulling or pulling activities? Was your back bent?
- Do you feel that the pain has prevented you from participating in certain activities?
- What, if anything? Does it seem to help with your symptoms?
- Do you think your symptoms might be getting worse?
- Which medications or supplements do you take?
- What to expect when you visit your doctor
Your doctor might also ask questions like:
- Does your pain reach your arms or your legs?
- Do you feel weakness or numbness around your arms or legs
- Did you notice changes in your bladder, bowel and/or stomach habits?
- Do you experience pain from sneezing, coughing, or even sneezing?
- Is pain interfering or affecting sleep?
- Are you involved in heavy lifting?
- Do you smoke, or do other tobacco products?
- How has your body changed in recent months?
