Waist and leg pain are the most common symptoms of a herniated disc. However, diseases that cause back and leg pain are very diverse. In other words, it is not right to approach every patient with back and leg pain with the preconceived notion that "it is definitely a herniated disc." There are many diseases that mimic a herniated disc. Many diseases, from a simple sports injury to rheumatism, from infectious diseases to cancer and lumbar slip, can cause back and/or leg pain. For this reason, it must first be clearly stated what the diagnosis is. Because the path to success in treatment is, first of all, through the correct diagnosis. For this, it is necessary to apply to the relevant specialist physician. The physician will listen to the patient's complaints, perform an examination, and request all tests and tests related to his disease.
In a patient with back and/or leg pain, advanced examination methods such as computed tomography and usually magnetic resonance are sometimes used.
Magnetic resonance imaging method provides great convenience in diagnosis and differential diagnosis. In addition, the patient does not receive x-rays and the superior imaging ability in various planes; Magnetic resonance becomes more and more prominent because it can clearly visualize the spinal cord, nerves and other soft tissues.
However, considering that computed tomography provides better images in pathologies related to bone tissue, both diagnostic methods can be used together in some cases.
Although magnetic resonance is such a useful method, evaluating the images obtained requires great experience. Misinterpretations lead to wrong forms of treatment. If the mild disc bulge that we often encounter is interpreted as a herniated disc, the treatment may go in a completely different direction.
Interpretation of images obtained from shots taken especially in the postoperative period requires experience. The examination findings and the results obtained from the examinations will be evaluated together in a meticulous manner and treatment will be started after a clear diagnosis is reached. It is sometimes misleading to decide on surgery just because a herniated disc is seen in the magnetic resonance examination. it could be. The images obtained must be supported by clinical findings, and harmony must be sought between them. If there is no harmony, this situation should be explained.
Sometimes, bone scintigraphy may be required to make the differential diagnosis of herniated disc and some other vital diseases.
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