What are the tests for herniated disk?

History, exam, MRI: The person's story (history) usually makes the diagnosis. The physical examination will tend to confirm it. Tests like MRI and ct (with or without contrast dye) simply indicate where the herniation is. Sometimes other problems cause similar symptoms and signs, so the MRI or ct are necessary if invasive treatment is being considered.

The best ...: Most are diagnosed through a clinical evaluation with testing done to confirm the diagnosis as the number of disc herniations found in patients without symptoms increases with age. Knowing that, MRI is probably the best imaging test followed by a ct. A myelogram-ct is excellent as well with a contrast MRI the best test for people with prior back surgery to distinguish post op scar from a disc.