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All effective treatments are built upon accurate diagnosis. Your physician will use a combination of their expertise and state-of-the-art diagnostic technology to ensure a correct diagnosis. The diagnostic process includes:

1.Diagnostic tests. Most doctors start with x-rays, which allow us to rule out other problems such as tumors and infections. The films also allow us to see if there is any loss of disc space between the vertebrae. In some cases we also use a test called a discography to confirm the diagnosis. This test involves injecting contrast dye into the affected disc (or discs) to create a clearer image.

2.Physical examination. You will be carefully examined for limitations of movement, problems with balance, and pain. During this exam, the doctor will also look for loss of reflexes, muscle weakness, loss of sensation or other signs of neurological injury.

3.Medical history. The doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms, their severity, and what treatments you have already tried.

Cervical disk disease is typically diagnosed by an orthopedist or a neurologist. After taking a medical history and conducting a physical examination, the doctor will recommend an imaging procedure to gather more information about the nature of the problem. This may include a CT scan, an MRI, or myelography. In addition, an electromyogram (EMG) may be used to evaluate the functioning of nerves in the arms, hands, or legs. Cervical disk disease is typically covered by medical insurance.

As always, a careful history and physical examination are the first steps in diagnosis. The symptoms of a cervical disc herniation are always on the same side as the disc herniation. In other words a right sided disc herniation between the fifth and sixth cervical vertebrae will always cause pressure on the right sixth cervical nerve root.

Radiculopathy is suspected when the symptoms described above are noted. The doctor can sometimes detect signs of irritated nerves during the examination. For example, increased radiating pain when the lower extremity is lifted supports the diagnosis of lumbar radiculopathy. Nerve testing (EMG/electromyogram and NCV/nerve conduction velocity) of the lower extremities can be used to detect the nerve irritation. The actual disc herniation can be detected with radiology testing, such as CAT or MRI scanning.

When checking for a misdiagnosis of Degenerative Disc Disease or confirming a diagnosis of Degenerative Disc Disease, it is useful to consider what other medical conditions might be possible misdiagnoses or other alternative conditions relevant to diagnosis. These alternate diagnoses of Degenerative Disc Disease may already have been considered by your doctor or may need to be considered as possible alternative diagnoses or candidates for misdiagnosis of Degenerative Disc Disease.