Test for Lumbar Radiculopathy: What You Need to Know

Lumbar radiculopathy, also known as sciatica, occurs when a compressed nerve in the lower back causes pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness along the course of the nerve. This condition is often caused by a herniated disc or other issues affecting the spine.

Diagnosing lumbar radiculopathy typically involves a combination of physical examination tests and medical imaging studies. A review of clinical practice suggests that using three to five tests together can help identify the underlying cause of symptoms, such as sacroiliac joint dysfunction or lumbar pain.

One common test used to diagnose lumbar radiculopathy is the Straight Leg Raise (SLR) test. This test involves lifting the leg straight up while lying on your back, which can reproduce the patient's symptoms. Another important test is Bragard's sign, which involves applying pressure to the nerve root in the lower back and observing any resulting pain or numbness.

A study published by Homayouni et al. investigated the sensitivity and specificity of Bragard's sign for differentiating lumbosacral radiculopathy from other conditions. The researchers found that the test was acceptable for patients with symptoms lasting less than three weeks, but its performance decreased as symptom duration increased.

In addition to these physical examination tests, healthcare providers may use various scales and questionnaires to assess the patient's symptoms and quality of life. For example, they may ask about pain intensity using a visual analog scale (VAS), or evaluate mobility with modified Schober test or Oswestry disability score.

Overall, diagnosing lumbar radiculopathy requires a thorough physical examination and medical history, as well as a combination of diagnostic tests to rule out other potential causes of symptoms. With proper diagnosis and treatment, many people are able to experience significant improvement in their symptoms and quality of life.

Test for lumbar radiculopathy