Overview
Your healthcare provider will do a thorough physical exam. During the exam, your provider will assess your pain, muscle reflexes, sensation and muscle strength. They may also perform a neurological exam and a straight leg raise test. With this test, your provider will have you lie on your back. Then, they’ll raise your leg straight in the air. If you experience any pain down your leg, you likely have a ruptured disk.
Your provider may also order imaging tests, including:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.
- X-rays.
- Computed tomography (CT) scan.
- Myelogram.
- Electromyogram (EMG).
- Nerve conduction study.
Symptoms
When to see a doctor
Complications
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Heart failure.
- Some types of heart valve disease.
Prevention
- Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
- Don't smoke or use tobacco.
- Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
- Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Reduce and manage stress.
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