If a disc pinches a nerve in the lumbar spine, the pain can spread to the legs and feet. Pain usually goes away on its own over time. Sharp pain in the back or neck is the most common of these symptoms.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is the best imaging modality for directly visualizing herniated discs.ĭespite the fact that anyone can suffer from a herniated disc, it is particularly common in women. However, there are many other causes of abnormal EMG signals, so the test is not definitive for disc herniation.
The test works by recording the electrical activity of muscles, and when a nerve is compressed, the electrical signal is often abnormal. In short, EMG (electromyography) can show evidence of nerve compression due to a herniated disc, but it cannot directly visualize the disc itself. The answer to this question is a bit complicated.
