How common are herniated discs?
Herniated discs are very common. They occur more often in people ages 35 to 55 years. They are more common in men than in women. How is a herniated disc diagnosed? Your health care provider will begin an evaluation with a complete physical examination and medical history, including a review of your symptoms. He or she might perform a neurological exam to test your muscle reflexes, sensation, and muscle strength. An important test in the diagnosis of a herniated disc is the straight leg-raising test. During this test, you lie on your back with your legs straight. The health care provider will slowly raise each leg and note the elevation at which your pain begins. The health care provider might use certain other diagnostic tests to confirm the diagnosis and to better evaluate the site and extent of the herniation. These tests might include: • X-ray X-rays use small doses of radiation to produce images of the body. An X-ray of the spine might be done to rule out other causes of the back o
