How do you diagnose a herniated disc?
Before MRI, doctors had to rely upon their exam findings to determine what was wrong with a patient. Classic tests like the Straight Leg Raise, deep tendon reflexes, and pain presentation were all that we had. Nerve root tests use muscle testing, which can isolate which nerve specifically may be involved with a herniated disc problem.
In other words, weakness of a specific muscle will tell you what nerve is being affected.
When you know the nerve, you know which disc is involved.
Here are the discs and muscles we check: L3/L4 (quadriceps), L4/L5 (tibialis anterior), and L5/S1 (hamstrings).
If you suspect a herniated disc then you want to know is it a medial or lateral bulge?
Bending the patient to the side one way and then the other while repeating the test that was weak will tell you this information if there is a sudden strengthening of the weak muscle.
We then set up the patient on the flexion distraction table into the position of strength and provide treatment. Herniated disc problems are visible with MRI but it just confirms what you already suspected from your exam.
Dr. Robert Ebeling is a licensed Englewood chiropractor for the last 28 years in Colorado. He specializes in treating herniated disc problems with the Cox Flexion Distraction method. He can be reached at (303) 377-1755 for a free evaluation of your lower back.