Most disc injuries occur in the lower back.  Disc injuries often cause pain radiating into an extremity. The herniated disc of the low back cause pain in the lower back and radiate into the leg often to the toes.  Herniated disc in the lower back often cause leg pain without any lower back pain.  Ninety percent of the time when you have radiating leg pain below the knee it is related to a compressed disc of the lumbar spine.

Three at home lower back tests you can do to indicate if a herniated disc is causing your pain are:

Slump Test – Sit on a chair. Then slump your shoulder forward and let your lower back curve toward the back. Then raise one or both of your legs straight out in front of you. If you have radiating pain in the leg you probably have a lower back herniated disc.

Leg Raise Test – Lay on the floor flat of your back. Keep both legs straight and raise both heels off the floor about 6 inches.  If you have radiating pain into a leg or legs or you are unable to hold your legs up you probably have a lower back herniated disc.

Leg Traction Test – While lying flat on your back have someone pull slowly and but firmly on your leg from the ankle and foot. If your lower back or leg pain lessens you probably have a herniated disc and traction would be a good treatment.

You still need a professional orthopedic and neurological assessment of your lower back along with a radiographic examination such as an x-ray or CT/MRI scan to narrow down the specific level involved. 

If you or someone you know suffers from chronic back pain or scitica from a herniated disc, you can call our office for a complimentary assessment of your lower back to see if you are a candidate for spinal decompression therapy.

Tel:604-984-4601, www.vanspinaldecompression.com