How are disc problems diagnosed?

How are disc problems diagnosed?

A physical exam for diagnosing disc pain may include one or more of the following tests:

  1. Palpation. Palpating (feeling by hand) certain structures can help identify the pain source.
  2. Movement tests.
  3. Muscle strength.
  4. Reflex test.

How to tell if you have a disc problem in your back?

Back scans are often unhelpful for determining whether a person’s back pain is coming from a disc issue, as discs change with aging and use. However, symptoms may include: pain, numbness or pins-and-needles radiating into an arm or leg if a disc has caused irritation of a nearby nerve.

Can a desiccated disc cause pain in the lower back?

Mostly L3-L4, L4-L5 and L5-S1 discs are affected in the condition. Lower back stiffness with mild radiation of the pain on sides is the main symptom of this condition. This is a condition where water content of the disc starts reducing. ⇒Know More about Desiccated disc

How is a physical exam used to diagnose disc pain?

A physical exam for diagnosing disc pain may include one or more of the following tests: Palpation. Palpating (feeling by hand) certain structures can help identify the pain source. For example, worsened pain when pressure is applied to the spine may indicate sensitivity caused by a damaged disc.

How to tell if you have a lumbar disc herniation?

Lower back pain is typically the first symptom of a lumbar disc herniation. Often this pain will last for a few days and then subside, but leg pain, numbness or tingling, and/or weakness of the lower extremity often follows. Typically the leg pain eventually travels below the knee and can even affect the ankle and foot.

How to tell if you have disc problems in lower back?

Lower back stiffness with mild radiation of the pain on sides is the main symptom of this condition. This is a condition where water content of the disc starts reducing. When disc dehydrate, the jelly inside the spine starts weakening.

What do you need to know about lumbar disk disease?

Key points about lumbar disk disease. Lumbar disk disease may occur when a disc in the low back area of the spine bulges or herniates from between the bony area of the spine. Lumbar disk disease causes lower back pain and leg pain and weakness that is made worse by movement and activity.

When does a herniated disk cause lower back pain?

Lumbar disk disease may occur when a disc in the low back area of the spine bulges or herniates from between the bony area of the spine. Lumbar disk disease causes lower back pain and leg pain and weakness that is made worse by movement and activity. The first step in treatment is to reduce pain and reduce the risk of further injury to the spine.

A physical exam for diagnosing disc pain may include one or more of the following tests: Palpation. Palpating (feeling by hand) certain structures can help identify the pain source. For example, worsened pain when pressure is applied to the spine may indicate sensitivity caused by a damaged disc.