There are normally 23 discs in the human spine. The function of the intervertebral discs is to support the spine and act as shock absorbers between the vertebrae. Intervertebral discs are discs of cartilage that sit between the vertebrae. The spine is made up of individual bones known as vertebrae.

The time it takes for the electrical impulses to travel between electrodes lets your doctor know whether there is nerve damage.Share on Pinterest The pain from a herniated disc may affect a person’s daily activities. In this test, the nerves are stimulated with tiny electrical impulses by an electrode at one point on the body while other electrodes detect the impulses at a different point. Nerve conduction studies (NCS) are often done at the same time as the EMG.A needle electrode put into a muscle records its electrical activity and looks for anything that isn’t as it should be.

The EMG test uses a device to detect the tiny amount of electricity muscle cells make when they're stimulated by nerves connected to them. Your doctor might use these tests to see if any nerves are damaged or compressed. MRI images can locate the position of the herniated disk, look inside it, and also determine which nerves are affected. An MRI uses radio waves, a magnetic field, and a computer to create detailed 3D images of the spinal cord and surrounding areas. A CT (or CAT) scan takes several X-rays from different angles and combines them to create images of your spinal cord and the structures surrounding it. This test uses dye injected into your spinal fluid, and an X-ray to locate the pressure on the spinal cord. While a standard X-ray can't show if you have a herniated disk, it can show your doctor the outline of your spine and rule out whether your pain is caused by something else, such as a fracture or tumor. If your doctor wants to rule out other sources of your pain, or pinpoint specific nerves that are aggravated, they may do further testing, including:

Whether you can feel light touches or vibrations.

If you feel pain, it’s likely a herniated disk. They may ask you to lie on your back and lift or move your legs in certain ways. Your doctor will check your back for sore or painful spots. This usually is the only test you’ll need to confirm a diagnosis. They’ll likely do a physical exam to find the source of your pain. The best way to tell if you have a herniated disk is to see your doctor. As you get older, your disks tend to break down and lose their cushioning. The affected part of your back may also feel weak.Īge also plays a role. A herniated disk also can give you a feeling of tingling or numbness. Even coughing, sneezing, and sitting can worsen your symptoms because they put pressure on pinched nerves. The pain may spread from your back to your buttocks, thighs, and even to your calves.ĭiscomfort from a herniated disk usually gets worse when you're being active and lessens when you're resting. Although herniated disks can happen in any part of your spine, they are most common in the lower part of your backbone (the lumbar spine), just above your hips. The condition is called a slipped, ruptured, or herniated disk. These disks allow you to move your spine around and bend over.īut if a disk between two vertebrae starts slipping out of place, it can irritate the surrounding nerves and cause extreme pain. Some of the vertebrae are cushioned by soft disks made of a jellylike substance. The adult spine is made up of 24 bones called vertebrae. One minute you're sitting comfortably in front of the TV, and the next you try to stand up, and - ouch! - a sharp pain radiates through your lower back.Ĭould you have a slipped or herniated disk? You might. Back pain can sneak up on you when you least expect it.

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