What is the cheap and easy test performed for sciatic nerve/herniated disk pain in primary care office?

What is the cheap and easy test performed for sciatic nerve/herniated disk pain in primary care office?

• A. Faber test
• B. Phalen maneuver
• C. McMurray test
• D. Straight leg raise

Answer: (D)

Assessing sciatic nerve irritation from lumbar disc herniation with a simple, inexpensive maneuver. The straight leg raise involves the patient lying on their back while the clinician lifts the straight leg to the point of pain or until the patient reports radicular symptoms traveling below the knee. A reproduction of sharp, shooting pain in the distribution of the sciatic nerve indicates nerve root tension from a herniated disc and supports a radicular etiology. It’s a quick, equipment-free test that fits well in a primary care visit to screen for radicular pain. Faber (Patrick) test targets the hip joint and sacroiliac areas, Phalen maneuver screens for carpal tunnel syndrome, and McMurray test evaluates meniscal (knee) pathology. Those tests don’t specifically assess lumbar nerve root irritation, which is why the straight leg raise is the most appropriate choice for this scenario.

Assessing sciatic nerve irritation from lumbar disc herniation with a simple, inexpensive maneuver. The straight leg raise involves the patient lying on their back while the clinician lifts the straight leg to the point of pain or until the patient reports radicular symptoms traveling below the knee. A reproduction of sharp, shooting pain in the distribution of the sciatic nerve indicates nerve root tension from a herniated disc and supports a radicular etiology. It’s a quick, equipment-free test that fits well in a primary care visit to screen for radicular pain.

Faber (Patrick) test targets the hip joint and sacroiliac areas, Phalen maneuver screens for carpal tunnel syndrome, and McMurray test evaluates meniscal (knee) pathology. Those tests don’t specifically assess lumbar nerve root irritation, which is why the straight leg raise is the most appropriate choice for this scenario.