MRI scans can be used to diagnose and monitor herniated discs. They are most commonly used to determine the location of herniated discs in the spine and the extent of nerve compression. Your doctor may recommend additional tests if the MRI results show a herniated disc. MRIs can be used to diagnose bulging discs or herniated discs in the neck or back.
What your doctor might do
The technician performing your MRI will place your body in a tube-like device after your doctor has ordered it. The magnet rotates around the patient’s body to change the excitation level of hydrogen atoms in tissues. After the magnetic field has been removed, hydrogen atoms will return to their normal resonance state. The scanner may detect this energy to create the image known as an MRI scan.
An MRI scan image generated by the scanner shows anatomy. It distinguishes between tissues that have a lot of water (e.g. discs or cerebrospinal fluid) and those with less water (e.g. skin, bone, cartilage and nerve roots). Your doctor will inspect the image for any abnormalities to diagnose your condition. MRI scans can detect disc injuries like a bulging disc, bulging disc, or annular tear that causes back pain or pinched nerve.
How to read an MRI of a Herniated Disc
There are many factors that affect the interpretation of an MRI scanner. Similar to other diagnostic tests, the problem with MRI scans is that the “disorder”, as it appears on the MRI scan, may not be the source of backaches.
A lumbar MRI scan of a herniated disc will be accurate if the patient has a basic understanding about the anatomy of the lumbar spine. There are five components to the lower back. They are separated by two types of joint, facet and discs. These discs are often in constant motion, which causes wear and tear. An annular tear is when the disc’s outer layer ruptures, and its inner nucleus jelly pushes into the spinal canal, forming a hernia. This hernia can often be seen as a contrast spot on an MRI scan.
The patient’s physiological symptoms and experiences will guide MRI scan results. A herniated disc may not cause symptoms, so there are many people who have undiagnosed back conditions. If the herniated disc becomes protruding or bulged, severe pains can result. Here is a great video that explains how spinal disc herniations can cause back pain.
Back pain is usually caused by a herniated disc becoming inflamed along a posterior annular tear. This causes pain signals to travel via a sinu-vertebral neural located along the margk -in of the annulus Fibrosus. The nerve fibers running along the annulus fibrus posterior wall are somatic pain fibers (SA) and will project their pain signals into a part of the brain that is responsible for highly localized pain, the primary somatosensory cortex.
Herniated disc Causes
There are 23 intervertebral discs in the spine. These discs, which are tissue joints, protect spinal vertebral parts from unanticipated impact. They have a soft gel-like inner and an outer wall (annulus fibrosus). Sometimes, the outer wall of the disc may develop an annular tear. This allows the jelly-like nucleus to squeeze past the annular tear. If the nucleus is not extruded from the annular tear, it is called a bulging disc or herniated disc.
There are many reasons that a herniated disc could occur. Most common causes of herniated discs are injury and wear and tear. As people age, the cartilage connecting the discs of the spine to the appropriate vertebral members can become looser and less elastic. Herniated discs can also be caused by trauma or sudden impact, such as falls or accidents.
Symptoms of herniated disc
Nearby nerve irritation is the most common cause of symptoms from herniated discs. An annular tear is caused by the interaction of the nucleus pulposus with the blood vessels in the outer half of the annulus. The inflammation that occurs at the back of the disc is caused by a specific type of pain nerve fiber. These pain signals travel via the somatic afferent sensory nerves (SA) to the parts of the brain responsible for localizing the pain.
The somatic pain afferent fibers (SA) end up synapsing with neurons in the post-central, also known as primary somatosensory cortical. This brain area gives pain signals from all parts of the body their location tags and associated qualities such as “sharpness”, and “stabbing”. Only because the posterior annulus contains SA pain fibers, can we easily determine disc pain location and quality in a herniated disc. Animation added
A herniated disc is most commonly characterized by sharp pain that radiates from the inflamed disc. Inflammation from a disc herniation may spread to the nerves or spinal cord, causing irritation and headaches. Cervicogenic headaches are those that originate in the neck and move upwards to the back. The Laser Disc Repair technique can fix the disc properly and the headaches will disappear permanently.
The herniated disc can cause inflammation to spread to nerve roots and surrounding areas. This can lead to painful sensations down the arms, legs or around the ribs. The nerve root dermatome is one of the most common areas that you will see symptoms and signs of a herniated disc. One example is a loss of normal sensation in the arms and elbows. This condition is known as cervical radiculopathy. It is characterized by radicular discomfort at this site and the appearance of a hot sensation radiating from the source.
disc herniation is likely to affect the nerve root myotome. This is the area of the muscle that controls the nerve roots. This can cause weakness in these muscles, especially the triceps and shoulders, as well as the upper arm. This anatomical part may be too difficult for the patient to move.
The 4 Best Treatment Options to Treat a Herniated Disc
We have listed the top surgical options for herniated discs.
Spinal Fusion Surgery/Spinal Arthrodesis
Any spinal fusion procedure involves permanently unifying or fused two or more vertebrae. The vertebrae are fused together to create a single, solid, long bone. However, natural movement is lost forever. This surgical procedure replicates the natural healing process of broken bones.
Bone grafts are available from the patient’s hip after surgery, from a donor bone, or can be created in advance. Fusions are possible only if bone grafting is done along with metal implants. More than 100 people who received bone grafts to complete their fusions developed Tuberculosis. This unfortunate incident highlights the potential complications of invasive spine surgery, such as artificial discs and spinal fusion.
A surgeon performing spinal fusion will remove the disc completely and place a bone graft in between the painful, troublesome vertebrae. Then, the vertebrae are fused to create a solid unit. The solid unit does not limit the motion of the painful vertebrae, but it causes a permanent loss in movement. These complications are quite common and can even be life-threatening.
There are many types of Spinal Arthrodesis.
- Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion
- Posterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion
- Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion – TLIF
- Extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion
- Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusions (ALIF).
Discectomy Surgery
The procedure of discectomy removes the damaged disc’s external herniated section, relieving nerve root pressure. This procedure does not relieve back pain, neck pain, or leg pain. To locate the herniation, the surgeon will enter the patient’s back by making holes in the bones or ligaments of his spine. With various tools, the surgeon will cut through the tissue around the vertebra and then remove bone, ligament and ultimately only a portion of the herniated disc. The surgeon is limited in the amount of herniation that they can remove based on the amount they can see. Because it is difficult to see all of the discectomy herniation, the surgeons end up removing only a small portion.
A discectomy is the “cutting out of the disc.” Patients can have one or multiple discs removed at once. Different levels are used to refer to different vertebrae. A discectomy can be performed using the “open” approach. The surgeon will make a larger incision to see the spine. This is more complicated than the minimally invasive procedure.
The tools used to incision and operate on discectomy surgery can cause nerve damage and infection to surrounding nerve roots. This is due to poor visibility and the high risk of infection. This older technique does not employ modern technology such as the microsurgery or endoscope.
Microdiscectomy Surgery
The microdiscectomy procedure looks very similar to discectomy surgery. It uses a microscope, and incisions of 2-3 inches. Microdiscectomy is a procedure that involves removing disc material from the affected area and applying pressure to nearby nerve roots. The surgeon makes a 2-3 inch incision above the affected area to access the nerve roots.
After removing the muscle from the spine, the surgeon will next remove bone and ligaments from your spine. This is a common treatment for sciatica. Sciatica is a condition that results from compression of the spinal nerves. This procedure does not relieve back pain, and can often make it worse. Patients who have had microdiscectomy usually feel their symptoms return within one to two years. They may need additional surgery to correct any damage that was done by the microdiscectomy.
This invasive procedure is recommended for patients who have weakness in their legs or numbness due to a herniated disc that places pressure on the spine nerve. Surgeons do not have the ability to perform Laser Disc Reconstruction. In order to reach the herniated disc, the surgeon must first remove the normal spine bone, ligaments, and joints.
This causes instability and often patients need a second or even third surgery. This surgery is performed in a hospital with a higher chance of infection because of the use of the microscope. Microdiscectomy is a procedure that involves the surgeon causing minor injuries to the patient’s muscles, bones, and spinal joints to remove a portion of herniated disc. Because of this, complications can occur and additional surgeries may be required.
Artificial Disc
Artificial disc replacement is often recommended for patients who have tried pain medication and physical therapy but still experience severe leg or arm pain. During an artificial disc surgery, the surgeon will remove the entire disc and replace it with a plastic or engineered metal implant.
An artificial disc, which functions in the same way as a natural one, is used to replace the damaged or degraded disc. The spine is accessed by surgeons by moving delicate organs in the abdomen and neck of the patient. This is a dangerous and difficult approach to spinal surgery that many patients and surgeons avoid due to the serious issues reported in anterior (through-the-belly) surgery for lumbar disc problem.
After an artificial disc replacement, patients should expect to remain in hospital for at least two days before being discharged. Patients will usually be able to walk within 24 hours. The goal of fusion is to reduce pain and preserve motion at the disc.
What is the best way to heal a herniated disc without surgery?
Herniated discs may heal themselves in many cases. These cases usually heal in days to four weeks. The majority of herniated disc cases don’t require surgery and are considered mild. For these cases, mild treatments like resting for a few days or making lifestyle changes for a few more weeks will suffice to relieve herniated disc symptoms. Many times, symptoms will disappear within weeks or days. Patients should seek Laser Disc Repair if the pain or symptoms of a bulging or herniated disc persist for more than four weeks. If you wait longer, other muscles and joints will begin to deteriorate. This can cause more pain and dysfunction. It is not a good idea to wait more than 1-2 months after symptom onset. This can cause further damage and rob patients of their quality of life.
Sometimes, a herniated disc that squeezes a nerve root can be relieved by a variety physical exercises. These exercises are easy and accessible to all fitness levels, no matter what your past experience. Low-impact workouts can be a great choice because they cause minimal pain and discomfort, while working on specific muscle groups.
Slipped Disc: The importance of MRI to detect a herniated disc
A herniated disc (also known as a slipped or ruptured disc) is a condition that occurs when a disc ruptures due to old age, degeneration, or an injury or accident. This causes a small amount of the soft cartilage to be pushed out from the outer, hard shell. Although herniated discs may not cause symptoms, sometimes severe pain can result. For example, Herniated sciatica is when the disc herniation is located in the lower back. This presses on the sciatic nerve. While most people will find that a slipped disc heals on its own, some cases may require therapy or surgery.
How can a herniated disc be diagnosed?
The consulting Healthcare Professional won’t always recommend an MRI if a patient presents with any of the above symptoms or signs during a physical exam. Usually, an MRI is not necessary unless chronic pain persists for more than 6 weeks after conservative treatments such as massages and stretching exercises.
Patients with herniated discs of the neck or lower back are most likely to recover after non-surgical treatment. Others may need a more detailed examination or diagnostic imaging in order to confirm.
In cases where surgery is required, imaging tests are often used to confirm the existence of a herniated disc. A CT scan, x-ray or MRI scan can be ordered to confirm the presence of a herniated disc in the neck or other area of the spine where pain is reported.
MRI is the best imaging procedure available to diagnose a herniated disc. A MRI scan can pinpoint the location of the herniated disc and allow for the measurement of herniation.
An MRI scan can help to improve the accuracy of surgery and speed up the recovery process.
Any unusual pain in the spine should be referred to a doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment of a bulging disc or ruptured disc is possible. If the condition is not treated quickly, it can lead to irreversible complications.
An MRI scan is a complex procedure that requires careful consideration.
Evaluation of MRI Scan Results
The first problem with MRI scans, like many other diagnostic studies is that the “abnormality”, which shows up on the MRI scan, may not be the reason for back pain. Many clinical studies have found that around 30% of people in their thirties or forties show a lumbar disc herniation on an MRI scan. However, they don’t have back pain.
An MRI scan can’t be interpreted by itself. Every detail on an MRI scan must be correlated with the patient’s individual situation.
- The symptoms (such as the severity, duration, and location of pain)
- Any neurological deficiencies that are detected during a physical examination
The timing of the scan is also important when MRI scans are being done. An MRI scan will not be required if a patient is experiencing any of the following:
- Incontinence in the bladder or bowel
- Nerve damage can cause progressive weakness in the legs.
Both of these situations are rare, however.
Most Frequently Asked Questions
An MRI is necessary to diagnose a herniated disc
Some doctors still recommend CT scanning and X-rays. Herniated disc MRI remains the preferred diagnostic procedure for this condition. It is highly sensitive and doesn’t expose the patient to unnecessary radiation.
Clinicians may not order MRI scanning until 6 weeks after a patient has had persistent or worsening symptoms. A combination of conservative management options may be recommended to the patient in order to relieve the patient’s pain and improve their condition.
Most people will be able to recover with minor surgery or other procedures. However, there are some cases that require additional investigation and treatment. This is where an MRI is often recommended.
Is a ruptured disc the same thing as a herniated disc?
The same condition, herniated disc or ruptured disc, is characterized by more protrusion than a bulging disc. A scan will show that the soft cartilage, which is normally kept inside, leaks out to the harder outer cartilage. It will also likely cause more pain than a bulging disc because it presses on nerves.
What happens if the herniated disc is not treated?
The risk of a herniated disc getting worse if it is not treated promptly increases. Slipped disc cases can be treated without the need for surgery. The non-surgical treatment of a herniated disc includes relaxation, physical therapy, and painkillers.
If the condition is not treated, it can cause permanent nerve damage. People with this condition have reported losing bladder control and bowel control as well as feeling around the legs and rectum.
Can MRI be used to detect herniated discs?
An MRI scan can confirm a herniated disc diagnosis. It pinpoints the exact spot on the spine where there is herniation. It is possible to manage treatment (which may include surgery in certain cases) better and optimize patient recovery.
What causes herniated discs?
There are many reasons that a herniated disc can occur. A major cause of disc herniation is not only accidents but also normal wear and tear on the spine due to aging. The following are possible causes:
- Poor posture
- Lifting heavy objects in an improper position can cause unnecessary strain to the back.
- Obesity or being overweight can cause unnecessary pressure on your spine. Weak muscles
- Inactivity and lack of regular exercise
