Successful assessment/diagnosis of sciatica depends upon successfully assessing the underlying cause of the sciatic nerve compression.
Overview of Orthopedic Assessment Tests for the Low Back and Pelvis
Orthopedic assessment testing works by what could be called “stress and assess”. The test adds a physical stress and we assess the client’s response.
Special Orthopedic Assessment Tests – Space Occupying Conditions – Slump Test
The slump test places tension on the spinal cord and PNS. It assesses a space occupying condition of the cervical and lumbar spine, as well as TOS.
How do we assess a pathologic disc?
For a pathologic disc of the lumbar spine, the principle assessment test is straight leg raise (SLR). This can be performed actively or passively.