Column What Is a Lumbar Disc Herniation and Why Is an MRI Necessary? Understanding How Diagnosis Is Made
October 17, 2025
Lumbar disc herniation is one of the most common spinal disorders. Once a disc becomes herniated, symptoms like pain and numbness occur, and the more it progresses, the more it interferes with daily life. Many patients ask us if an MRI examination is necessary to diagnose a herniated disc, so in this article, we will address this question and explain the process of diagnosing lumbar disc herniation and the importance of MRI imaging.
What Is Lumbar Disc Herniation?
Between each pair of vertebrae lies an intervertebral disc, which acts as a cushion and allows flexibility. Each disc contains a gelatinous center called the nucleus pulposus, surrounded by a solid fibrous ring (annulus fibrosus) rich in collagen.
When a crack or tear develops in the annulus fibrosus and part of the nucleus pulposus pushes outward, this condition is known as disc herniation.
The main symptoms of lumbar disc herniation are low back pain, as well as pain and numbness in the buttocks and legs. Pain and numbness can appear anywhere in the lower half of the body, but pain radiating from the buttocks to the back of the thigh, known as sciatica, is a characteristic symptom of lumbar herniation.
How Is Lumbar Disc Herniation Diagnosed?
Diagnosing a herniated disc involves evaluating symptoms, conducting a physical examination, and performing imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, and CT scans. Among these, the clinical examination and MRI examination are considered essential for an accurate diagnosis of disc herniation.
What Can an MRI Reveal?
MRI imaging provides a clear visualization of the intervertebral discs, nerves, ligaments, and joints. It helps assess deformation of the discs, nerves, ligaments, and joints related to the cause of back pain, as well as the status of nerve compression, the presence of damage, and inflammation.
MRI can clearly delineate the extent and severity of a lesion, making it a crucial tool for precise diagnosis.
The Importance of MRI For The Diagnosis
・Detailed identification of abnormalities
MRI provides high-resolution images not only of bones but also of soft tissues such as discs, spinal cord, nerves, and ligaments.
・Evaluation of soft tissues not visible on X-ray
Unlike X-rays, MRI can accurately assess soft tissues and nerve structures, which is essential for determining the true source of pain or numbness.
・Ability to Diagnose a Wide Range of Diseases
MRI can detect not only disc herniations but also spinal canal stenosis, tumors, infections, and fractures.
・Accurate Treatment Planning
By clearly understanding the extent of the lesion and the impact on the nerves, the doctor is able to formulate a more accurate treatment plan.
・No Exposure to Radiation
MRI uses magnetic fields instead of radiation, making it a safe and non-invasive examination.
・Non-Invasive Examination
MRI does not involve injections or incisions, and causes little to no discomfort.
Our Clinic’s Treatment
At our clinic, we determine the treatment plan in consultation with the patient through a combination of MRI imaging, detailed consultation, and physical examination.
For disc herniation, we perform the Cellgel Method, a minimally invasive procedure that repairs the damaged intervertebral disc.
In this treatment, a special medical gel is injected into the fissures of the disc. The material hardens into a gel-like implant, filling and reinforcing the damaged area while preserving the disc’s original structure and volume. This allows for fundamental, regenerative repair of the disc rather than removal or reduction.
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We offer free image consultations, so if you already have an MRI of your lumbar spine from another hospital, feel free to contact us for a professional opinion.
Click for a Free MRI Imaging Consultation
If you have been diagnosed with disc herniation or are struggling with back pain, please consider scheduling a consultation with us.
Related Articles:
Understanding Herniated Discs and Receiving the Most Appropriate Treatment For It
5 Medical Conditions That Can Be Easily Confused with Disc Herniation
Can Disc Herniation Heal Naturally?
Symptoms and Treatments of Disc Herniation: When Early Detection is Key
Various Treatments for Lumbar Disc Herniation: Respective Differences and Results of Each Method
