Introduction
A slipped disc is a disease characterized by the protrusion of parts of the disc into the spinal canal. A real herniated disc must be distinguished from a so-called disc protrusion (disc protrusion). In most cases, the development of a herniated disc can be associated with many years of excessive or incorrect strain. While the development of a herniated disc is rarely observed in younger years of life, this disease becomes more frequent with increasing age. The reason for this is the fact that the elasticity of the intervertebral disc decreases sharply as we age.
That’s how I know if I have a slipped disc
People who suffer from a herniated disc usually develop severe back pain, which can radiate from the affected spinal segment to the arms, buttocks or legs. In this context, however, it must be noted that the herniated disc is a comparatively rare cause of back pain. In most cases, persistent back pain can be traced back to muscular stress conditions.
MRI of a slipped disc
The preparation of a magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) serves to confirm the diagnosis in patients suspected of having a slipped disc. However, before the preparation of an MRI can be initiated, the suspected diagnosis should be confirmed by other diagnostic measures. Above all, a detailed doctor-patient consultation (anamnesis) should be carried out urgently before an MRI is performed.
The symptoms present in the affected patient may indicate a slipped disc. In addition, an orienting physical examination should be carried out before the MRI is initiated. If a herniated disc is suspected, it should be noted that imaging procedures such as computer (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are only mandatory for persons with pronounced symptoms.
Especially for all patients who suffer from sensory disturbances (for example numbness and/or tingling), an MRI must be performed. This also applies to patients with pronounced limitation of muscle strength in one or more extremities. Among the imaging procedures possible in the diagnosis of a herniated disc, the MRI is still considered to be the method of first choice today.
Compared to conventional x-ray imaging, MRI allows not only the reliable assessment of bony structures, but also of tissue, nerve roots and intervertebral discs. In addition, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has the advantage over computed tomography that the patient under examination is not exposed to any radiation. Both imaging techniques are used in the diagnosis of a herniated disc to produce detailed sectional images of the individual spinal column segments.
MRI is based primarily on the physical principle of nuclear magnetic resonance. In simple terms, this means that the individual sectional images are generated by applying electromagnetic waves within a strong magnetic field. The disadvantage of MRI is mainly due to the fact that common alternative procedures (such as computed tomography) require only a fraction of the time needed for an MRI.
In terms of the quality of the individual sectional images, no clear difference can usually be perceived between computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The choice of the most suitable imaging technique depends on other factors, such as radiation exposure and the duration of the examination. Although no radiation exposure whatsoever affects the patient to be examined when an MRI is performed, there are some restrictions to be observed with this examination method.
An MRI for the diagnosis of a herniated disc cannot be performed on patients wearing a pacemaker. Furthermore, an MRI is not suitable for wearers of electromechanical implants, for example cochlear implants or implanted pain pumps. In these patient groups, the diagnosis “herniated disc” must be confirmed by other imaging techniques.
Since conventional x-rays are not suitable for imaging the intervertebral discs, computer tomography must be used. However, MRI examinations are harmless in persons with hip prostheses, artificial heart valves and dental prostheses. A slipped disc in the cervical spine can have considerable consequences for the patient concerned.
In most cases, the herniated disc of the cervical spine is mainly manifested by the occurrence of sensory disturbances in the form of numbness and/or tingling in the arms. In addition, persistent pressure on the nerve roots of the cervical spine can lead to increasing muscle weakness in the area of the arms. These complaints often decrease over a certain period of time.
For this reason, affected persons should urgently consult a specialist in good time and have the presence of a slipped disc in the cervical spine checked. Imaging techniques play a decisive role in the diagnosis of a herniated disc in the cervical spine of persons with particularly pronounced complaints. So far, the preparation of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of a herniated disc of the cervical spine is considered the method of first choice.
During the actual examination, the patient is positioned on his back. Since the MRI of the cervical spine is also performed in an almost completely closed tube, the examination can be very stressful for people with claustrophobia (claustrophobia). In order to obtain optimal sectional images, however, it is particularly important that the patient to be examined does not move during the examination, which lasts about 20 minutes.
Otherwise the sectional images will become blurred and cannot be used to diagnose the herniated disc. The herniated disc of the lumbar spine (lumbar spine) is one of the most common forms of this clinical picture, along with the herniated disc of the cervical spine (cervical spine). In many cases, a suspected diagnosis can be made on the basis of the existing symptoms even without imaging procedures (such as MRI).
People who have a slipped disc in the lumbar spine often suffer from persistent, severe back pain that radiates into the buttocks and legs. In addition, a herniated disc of the lumbar spine is often accompanied by sensory disturbances such as numbness and/or tingling and pronounced limitations in muscle strength. Even in the case of a slipped disc in the lumbar spine, it is not always absolutely necessary to confirm the diagnosis by means of MRI.
In the case of less pronounced complaints, the preparation of an MRI is usually unnecessary. Only in patients who show pronounced symptoms should an MRI be performed. On the basis of the sectional images of the individual spinal column segments obtained by MRI, the extent of the disease can be reliably determined and appropriate treatment can be initiated.
MRI is also considered the imaging method of choice for a slipped disc in the lumbar spine. In contrast to conventional X-rays, MRI can reliably depict both the intervertebral discs and the nerve roots. However, only the bony structures of the spinal column can be adequately assessed when looking at a conventional X-ray image.
In addition to MRI, computer tomography is also suitable for diagnosing a herniated disc in the lumbar spine. However, since this examination method involves a considerable radiation exposure for the patient to be examined, MRI is generally preferred. Only in patients in whom the present symptomatology can possibly be associated with a recent traumatic event, a CT should preferably be performed. The reason for this is that an examination of the spinal column by MRI takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Suitable CT sectional images of the individual spinal column sections, on the other hand, can be produced within a few seconds.
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