According to many studies, up to 85% of people in the United States will suffer from low back pain. Low back pain is second only to upper respiratory infections (the common cold) as a reason for missed work time!
Herniated or bulging vertebral discs are common injuries of the neck and low back. These injuries may be asymptomatic (no symptoms) and are more prevalent as we age. According to a study in 2008 from the Cleveland Clinic, 25% of all asymptomatic adults have at least 1 herniated vertebral disc and as many as 60% with no back pain have degenerative changes in their spines.
If you have back pain and any of the following signs, you should be seen by a spine orthopedic specialist for an evaluation.
Usually all that’s needed is a physical exam and medical history. X-Rays: Don’t detect this type of injury but can rule out tumor, broken bone, or alignment issues. Myelogram: Test can show pressure on spinal cord or nerves due to bulging discs. MRI: Test that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of organs and structures inside the body. A herniation may be seem on MRI.
