How I Evaluate Radicular Low Back Pain from a Herniated Disc [Physical Therapy Guide]

By dpope2020

September 9, 2023

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How I Evaluate Radicular Low Back Pain from a Herniated Disc [Physical Therapy Guide]

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In today's video we go over How I Evaluate Radicular Low Back Pain from a Herniated Disc [Physical Therapy Guide]: 

Join us as we dive deep into the diagnosis of lumbar radicular pain and associated disc issues. We understand that your patients often come to you seeking answers, and sometimes, delivering a diagnosis can be intimidating. But fear not!

We'll equip you with the knowledge and confidence to provide accurate assessments.We'll teach you how to:

🔍 Identify the signs and symptoms of these conditions.

📋 Conduct essential diagnostic tests.

🧠 Understand the nerve pathways involved.

👀 Interpret the results with precision.But that's not all! You'll also discover valuable insights on how to approach patients with these conditions, debunk myths, and ensure they get the care they need.

💪 Don't forget to hit that like button and subscribe to our channel for more expert insights. Your journey to becoming a lumbar radiculopathy pro starts now! 🌟👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️

  • 0:00 Introduction
  • 0:11 What is radicular low back pain?
  • 0:50 What is a disc herniation?
  • 0:54 Why is a disc herniation so painful and how does it affect nerves?
  • 1:04 Why do disc herniations create weakness, numbness and tingling and sensation changes down the leg?
  • 1:13 What level is most common with disc herniation?
  • 1:45 Do disc herniations heal? and if so how long on average does it take to feel better?
  • 2:12 What medical red flags must be ruled out before diagnosing radicular low back pain?
  • 2:59 What symptoms are most common with radicular low back pain from a disc herniation?
  • 3:35 Five keys for ruling in nerve root involvement
  • 4:10 How to assess myotomes to diagnose lumbar radiculopathy by injury level
  • 7:13 How to assess reflexes to diagnose lumbar radiculopathy by injury level
  • 9:04 How to assess dermatomes to diagnose lumbar radiculopathy by injury level
  • 10:45 Neurodynamic tests to diagnose lumbar radiculopathy (Straight leg raise, Slump)
  • 13:12 Where your patient's pain may be felt based on which disc is involved

This pain is radical...

- Dan Pope DPT,OCS,CSCS

Show Notes / Relevant Articles:

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Thank you!

Dan Pope DPT, OCS, CSCS

References: 

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Images:

  1. Intervertebral disc: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:716_Intervertebral_Disk.jpg attribution: OpenStax College, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
  2. Herniated disc: source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:728_Herniated_Disk.jpg attribution: OpenStax College, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
  3. Functional Spinal Unit: source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Functional_spinal_unit_(FSU).webp attribution: Irina Nefedova, CC BY 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
  4. Spinal Canal: source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Spinal_canal.webp attribution:Irina Nefedova, CC BY 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
  5. Dermatomes: source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dermatomes_labeled,_female_front-back_3d-shaded.svg attribution: Goran_tek-en, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
  6. Epidural: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Epidural_Anesthesia.png Attribution: BruceBlaus, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons Modified by Fitness Pain Free LLC