Diagnosing Sciatica Pain

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Did you know that sciatica is not actually a condition, but a symptom of a condition. There are four common conditions that can cause Sciatic pain. These conditions are Herniated Discs, Piriformis Syndrome, Spinal Stenosis and Spondylolisthesis.

Strenuous physical activity or heavy lifting may cause one or more of the discs to herniate or move out of place. This "slipped disc" can pinch nearby spinal nerves and can cause symptoms from tingling, to a dull ache and burning sensation, usually on one side of your body.

In general, herniated discs are caused by uneven pressure exerted on your spine due to postural dysfunctions created by muscle imbalances. Muscle balance therapy which treats the underlying cause is the most reliable way of healing sciatica pain.

What are the steps involved in diagnosing sciatica pain?

If your sciatica symptoms are severe or the condition continues for more than 6 weeks, it is a good idea to see your physician to rule out any serious underlying conditions that could be causing the sciatica pain.

In diagnosing sciatica pain, your physician will usually consider your ...
... medical history and perform a physical exam, especially of your spine and legs. You may be asked to carry out several movements so that he or she can check your muscle strength, flexibility and reflexes.

The passive straight leg raise test is a valuable tool for diagnosing sciatica injury. This test involves lying flat on your back with your legs straight. Your physician will ask you to raise one leg and then he or she will raise your foot up. If this causes pain or makes your pain worse, it is an indication that your pain is being caused by pinching or injury to the sciatic nerve.

X-rays can reveal other conditions you may have - such as bone spurs, narrowed disc spaces and any bone disease. If your symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, CT scans or MRI scans can be used to pinpoint the cause.

If you try the home treatments we demonstrate on our site and your sciatica pain doesnt go away after a couple of weeks, see your doctor. If you lose control of your bladder or bowels or have severe pain, muscle weakness, or numbness, seek medical attention immediately!

To learn more about Sciatica, you can go to:
http://www.losethebackpain.com/conditions/sciatica.html