​A diagnosis is based on the individual’s history, symptoms, a physical examination and results of tests, including the following:

• X-ray: Application of radiation to produce a film or picture of a part of the body can show the structure of the vertebrae and the outline of the joints. X-rays of the spine are obtained to search for other potential causes of pain, i.e. tumors, infections, fractures, etc.

• Computed tomography scan (CT or CAT scan): A diagnostic image created after a computer reads X-rays; can show the shape and size of the spinal canal, its contents, and the structures around it.

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): A diagnostic test that produces 3-D images of body structures using powerful magnets and computer technology; can show the spinal cord, nerve roots and surrounding areas, as well as enlargement, degeneration and tumors.

• Myleogram: An X-ray of the spinal canal following injection of a contrast material into the surrounding cerebrospinal fluid spaces; can show pressure on the spinal cord or nerves due to herniated discs, bone spurs or tumors.

• Electromyogram and Nerve Conduction Studies (EMG/NCS): These tests measure the electrical impulse along nerve roots, peripheral nerves and muscle tissue. This will indicate whether there is ongoing nerve damage, if the nerves are in a state of healing from a past injury or whether there is another site of nerve compression.

​However, if the disc pain is not relieved with conservative treatments, the patient may be referred to a neurosurgeon or orthopedist for surgery. Most herniated discs are treated with one of the following procedures dependent upon the extent and location of the injury.

• Discectomy: A Discectomy involves the removal of the material from the herniated disc that is pressing upon the spinal cord or nerve. While the surgery is usually used to treat people with herniated discs, the procedure can be effective in reducing pain in patients with a ruptured disc as well.
• Spinal fusion: During a spinal fusion the vertebrae surrounding the painful disc are fused together with surgical hardware. The procedure was originally developed for people with spine deformities, but is now widely used to treat other disc problems such as fractures and disc herniations. Because a fusion is invasive surgery, patients will stay in the hospital for a few days for observation and will undergo rehab exercises to restore full back function. In the case of a person with a physical job, they may need a vocational counselor to help in finding a job that is better suited to their physical capacity following surgery.
• Laminectomy: A laminectomy is surgery performed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord related to trauma or the inherent aging process. During a laminotomy procedure, a surgeon removes a portion of the vertebrae that forms a protective arch over the spinal cord (lamina). Laminectomy removes all of the lamina on selected vertebrae and also may remove thickened tissue that is narrowing the spinal canal camera, the opening in the vertebrae through which the spinal cord runs. Either procedure may be done at the same time as a discectomy, or separately.