Diagnosis of sciatica

Diagnosis Of Sciatica. A history of leg pain worse than back pain or pain below the knee should raise suspicion of sciatica. Medical imaging tests and diagnostic nerve blocks may be appropriate in some cases. While both conditions interfere with sciatic nerve function sciatica results from spinal dysfunction such as a herniated disc or spinal stenosis. A tool predicting sciatica diagnosis in low back related leg pain was derived.

Radiating pain along the length of the sciatic nerve discomfort tingling sensations and numbness muscle weakness in the lower back hips legs and feet. The common symptoms of sciatica also known as sciatic nerve pain include. A diagnosis of the underlying cause of sciatica is essential in formulating an effective treatment plan and managing sciatica pain. Normal x rays will not be able to provide a view of sciatic nerve damage. When sciatica is suspected a doctor will take a medical history and conduct a physical examination. Sometimes x rays and other tests such as ct scan mri scan and electromyogram are used to further define the exact causes of sciatica.

Radiating pain along the length of the sciatic nerve discomfort tingling sensations and numbness muscle weakness in the lower back hips legs and feet.

For example you may be asked to walk on your toes or heels rise from a squatting position and while lying on your back lift your legs one at a time. It would include testing of various reflexes and strength of muscles. Sciatica is largely a clinical diagnosis based on the person s symptoms and findings on examination. The common symptoms of sciatica also known as sciatic nerve pain include. Inquire about the onset and distribution of pain and associated symptoms such as tingling sensation numbness or muscle weakness in the legs. Radiating pain along the length of the sciatic nerve discomfort tingling sensations and numbness muscle weakness in the lower back hips legs and feet.