Range Of Motion Test For Sciatica

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You have been feeling pain in your lower back for some time now. Often, the pain extends through your leg and wraps around foot. You have determined (through self diagnosis, research, or even a quick trip to the doctor) that you are suffering from sciatica. Sciatica, while a commonly misunderstood term, remains plaguing to many people between the ages of 30 and 50. Many people incorrectly assume that sciatica is a diagnosis, when in actuality the term refers to a specific set of symptoms that could indicate a larger diagnosis. These diagnoses can range from herniated disks to nerve damage. A popular way to determine if your unique set of symptoms is sciatica is a range of motion test. Your regular doctor can perform this exam, but many patients consult a spine specialist who has a better understanding of the pain they experience.

Whenever you consult a doctor regarding any ailment, make sure to be descriptive. Elaborate on the exact locations of the pain and when you feel the most pain- what activities you are doing when the pain starts, what, if anything, helps alleviate the pain. The doctor may ask some or all of the ...
... following questions, so take time to think of these in advance and come with prepared answers:

- When did the pain start?

- When do you feel pain?

- Does walking uphill or downhill increase the pain?

- What have you done for your pain?

- What activities did you recently do?

All of these details aid in the doctors understanding of your problems and make diagnosis easier. In the range of motion exam, a doctor will carefully examine the range of motion of the affected physical parts. The doctor will also observe the position and alignment of the spine, noting the curvature and any visible signs of weakness. It is important to observe how far and in what directions you can manipulate your limbs, as this gives the doctor a clear picture of what exactly your body is capable of doing at that point in time. Your doctor will test your reflexes, your muscle strength, your nerve changes, and the spread of pain.

Often, a range of motion test is conclusive and will give the doctor much needed information. In some cases, imaging exams must be taken. Exams via x-ray, MRI, or a CT or CAT scan may be necessary to affirm the doctors diagnosis.

There are many ways to ease the sciatica symptoms without resorting to surgery. Your doctors exam and range of motion test will help determine what course of action to take to relieve sciatica symptoms. Physical therapy is the first option for many people, as it works to strengthen the muscles and joints, allowing the easing of pressure on the sciatic nerve. Physical therapy will ease pain by improving flexibility in the area and works to alleviate the pain of improved posture. Remember that sciatica is a set of symptoms that is largely indicative of a more complex problem. Often, sciatic symptoms can be diagnosed and treated quickly, but these thorough exams performed by your healthcare provider may be able to catch and determine the root cause of your sciatic problems.