Exams and Tests

Your doctor will do a medical history and physical exam. If this suggests that you have a herniated disc, you probably won't need other tests.

If your doctor needs more information, or if treatment hasn't worked after 4 weeks, you may have an MRI or a CT scan.

X-rays generally aren't useful or needed. But if your medical history and physical exam suggest a more serious condition (such as a tumor, infection, fracture, or severe nerve damage), or if your leg pain and other symptoms don't get better after 4 weeks of nonsurgical treatment, your doctor may order X-rays.

Other tests

Other tests, such as blood tests, may be done to rule out other conditions.

The following imaging tests aren't used as often as an MRI or a CT scan, but they may give your doctor more information:

• An electromyogram and nerve conduction test may be done in some cases for people who have signs of prolonged pressure on a nerve root.
• A myelogram may be done if you can't have an MRI (for example, if you have a pacemaker) or if the results of an MRI aren't clear.
• Discography can help diagnose disc problems.
• A nerve block may show which nerve is causing a problem