Treatment introduction
A herniated disc most often occurs in the lumbar spine (lower back) or the cervical spine (neck), but it can also occur in the thoracic spine (upper back). Each location for a herniated disc produces different symptoms of pain. Leg pain (also known as sciatica) is the most common symptom associated with a herniated disc in the lumbar spine. Approximately 90% of herniated discs occur at L4-L5 and L5-S1, causing pain in the L5 or S1 nerve that radiates down the sciatic nerve.
Indications
The physician will review the patient's medical history and will conduct a thorough physical exam. After the physician has a general idea of the source of the patient's pain, a diagnostic test such as a CT scan or an MRI scan is often ordered to confirm the presence of an anatomical lesion in the spine. These diagnostic tests can provide more precise details regarding the location of the herniated disc and pinched nerve roots.