How is a herniated disc typically diagnosed?

A herniated disc is typically diagnosed using a combination of physical examination and imaging tests, such as MRI. The physical examination helps physicians assess symptoms, check nerve function, and identify any movement restrictions. During this examination, a physician can observe sensory deficits, muscle weakness, or reflex changes that may indicate nerve compression due to a herniated disc.

However, imaging tests like MRI are crucial for a definitive diagnosis. MRI provides detailed images of the spine and allows healthcare providers to visualize the disc's condition and the extent of any herniation. It can clearly show whether the disc is pressing on nearby nerves, which is important in confirming the diagnosis and determining the appropriate course of treatment. Other imaging modalities like CT scans can also help, but MRI is usually the preferred choice due to its detailed soft-tissue imaging capability.

In contrast, relying solely on blood tests would not provide information on structural changes in the spine. Likewise, only considering physical symptoms and patient history may lead to incomplete or inaccurate assessments, while merely observing spinal posture does not adequately identify the complexities involved in a herniated disc.