![]() ![]() That is not to say that these four diagnoses are the only things that can cause a neurologic problem that might not be obvious to the average practitioner of the art of spinal management thoracic disk herniations, various cysts extruded from one joint to another in the spine, infections, trauma, fractures, tumors and the like are also clearly things that we keep in our differential diagnosis. Going from the top of the neurologic system down, four diagnoses that I find are often overlooked, even by trained spine surgeons, are as follows: Chiari malformation, congenital cervical or lumbar stenosis, lumbar far-lateral disk herniation, and Bertolotti’s Syndrome. I get referrals from all over: chiropractors, physical therapists, internists, word of mouth, friends, family you name it, if somebody has a problem that can’t be solved, they eventually find me.Ĭommon things happen commonly, but when the problem does not seem to be getting better with standard conservative treatments, we sometimes have to open up our minds and consider some of the less common diagnoses and even more important is to be aware that there are several diagnoses that are often overlooked and especially in this patient population, of the patient with a problem that is not responding to standard treatments, it’s time to consider that there may be something else going on. Frequently, I get patients to see me because nobody else has been able to identify what their condition is, and therefore what the appropriate treatment would be. If you cannot have an MRI because of metal implants in your body or another reason, a CT scan at AHI can also be used to diagnose your herniated disc.Įxperiencing back pain and think you may have a herniated disc? Speak with your doctor about a referral for a spinal MRI at AHI.The 4 Most Often Missed Diagnoses in the Spine Arthur Jenkins III, MDĪs a spine surgeon in an academic institution, I see a lot of the challenges that people face in trying to manage their back, neck, sciatica, pinch nerve, imbalance or other neurologic problems that may be referable to their spinal system. Some herniated discs will require surgery, which is why getting accurate imaging is important for the herniated disc diagnosis. Strength training can help rehabilitate a herniated disc, prevent future injury and establish techniques to stave age-related degeneration. At AHI, we offer the most advanced MRI technologies available, and our expert staff knows exactly what to look for when we examine the imaging of your spine. A spinal MRI at AHI can help confirm whether or not your back pain is caused by a herniated disc.Īn MRI is the most common imaging tool used in the diagnosis of herniated discs. This can happen as a result of injury, obesity or simply age, and it most often happens in the lower back, lumbar spine or the neck. Can an MRI Tell Me If I Have a Herniated Disc?Ī herniated disc-also called a bulging, slipped or ruptured disc-happens when the cushion, or disc, that protects vertebrae in the spine from grinding against each other moves out of place. American Health Imaging (AHI) can determine the source of your back pain, helping your healthcare provider reach a diagnosis of a herniated or bulging disc. If you’re experiencing severe pain in your back, including numbness that extends down your leg or arm, you may have a herniated disc. experience lower back pain at some point in their lives. How Are Herniated or Bulging Discs in the Back Diagnosed Through Imaging?
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