Health encyclopaedia

Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

Diagnosis of Slipped disc

Your GP will normally be able to diagnose a slipped disc from your description of any pain you are experiencing, along with a physical examination of your back, legs and feet to identify any sciatic nerve problems.

If your back pain does not go away within 4-6 weeks your GP may suggest that you have an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or CT (computed tomography) scan of your spine. This will confirm whether or not your back pain is from a slipped disc and rule out more serious but rare causes, such as cancer.

The scan will allow your doctor to see the size and site of the damaged disc better, which is useful in deciding whether you need surgery for your slipped disc.

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