Lumbar disc herniation ct

Generally speaking, we can judge by ourselves whether we have lumbar disc herniation based on the clinical symptoms. However, if you want to confirm the diagnosis, you still need to go to the hospital for a CT scan. Many patients believe that they can judge whether they have lumbar disc herniation through physical reactions, so why bother taking a CT scan? In fact, CT scans can show which part of the spine has problems.

Lumbar disc herniation is a disease in which the nucleus pulposus, annulus fibrosus and cartilage plate of the lumbar disc undergo degenerative changes, causing the nucleus pulposus to protrude into the spinal canal, stimulating and compressing the corresponding nerve roots, causing the patient to experience corresponding symptoms. Although X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs are common auxiliary examinations for diagnosing lumbar disc herniation, their functions are different!

Plain X-rays

1. Although X-ray examination cannot directly show whether the patient has lumbar disc herniation, it can show whether the patient has degenerative changes such as narrowing of the intervertebral space and hyperplasia of the vertebral edge, which indirectly indicates that the patient does not have lumbar disc herniation.

2. X-ray examination can determine whether the patient has spinal deformities such as spinal deviation and scoliosis.

3. X-ray examination can determine whether the patient has bone diseases such as tuberculosis and tumors, help with differential diagnosis and clarify the condition.

CT

1. CT examination can show the location, size, shape of the patient's lumbar disc herniation and the compression and displacement of the nerve roots and dura mater sac.

2. CT examination can show hypertrophy of the vertebral lamina and yellow ligament, hyperplasia of small joints, stenosis of the spinal canal and lateral recess, etc.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

1. MRI can comprehensively observe whether the lumbar intervertebral disc is diseased.

2. MRI can show the morphology of lumbar disc herniation and its relationship with surrounding tissues such as the dura mater sac and nerve roots.

3. MRI can determine whether the patient has other diseases, such as mass.

4. The main harm of lumbar disc herniation to patients is the impact on the lumbar nerves. MRI can show whether the nerves are compressed and the degree of compression. It is the "gold standard" for the diagnosis of lumbar disc herniation.

In summary, a clear diagnosis of lumbar disc herniation may require one or more examinations. Patients should understand the relevant situation and complete the examination according to the instructions to clarify the condition and receive early diagnosis and treatment.