Ct scan detect bulge/herniated discs? sciatica? is this a good test? mri is more expensive.

Yes it is: Ct and MRI are completely different procedures, operate differently and for the differential diagnosis. Mri is for soft tissue (e. G. Tmj disk, spinal cord injury, brain tumor). Ct is used for a hard tissue (e. G. Bones, ). In case of emergency ct is mostly used because it's taken 10min. While MRI 40 min. In many cases both procedures need it. Mri is more expensive, but the prices went down lately.

MRI is superior : An MRI would be better at revealing soft tissues such as disc anatomy and nerve roots, while the ct scan is better at showing bony abnormalities.Sciatica.

Herniated disc: A ct scan is an excellent diagnostic tool to look for bulging or herniated discs. The mr is more sensitive in picking up this type of pathology but if the ct is positive and the doctor feels it relates to your disc disease then this should be enough.

CT: can be OK to view pathology of the spine. MRI is gold standard. However if the radiologist missed something on CT, the doctor that needs this test to help you may be limited in what they can do to help if pathology is not evident. Recommend getting MRI but speak with your doctor first.