Is there a way to tell if you are suffering from a flare up of sciatica from other reasons than a disc problem? I know about the straight leg raise test for prelimiary diagnosis of a disc problem. How accurate is this test? Is there any other simple tests that can give a clue if the sciatica is from a disc problem?
I don't think there is ANY way you can test that unless you get a imaging test. Sciatica could be caused by a disc, or not. Good luck and I hope it is just the sciatic nerve and NOT a disc.
Have you seen a doctor about this? I agree with myspine and Mel, you should get an MRI to check for disc involvement to be on the safe side. Good luck!
Thanks for the replys. I had a microdisc/lamin. on Nov. 1st. I was doing great until a few weeks ago. I returned to work and the pain has been returning. Sometimes pretty bad, others times not as bad. I also have the tingling feet/leg again. I was just trying to figure out if it is necessary to call my doctor or not. I have heard these things take time to heal and you may not ever be pain free but I have a bad feeling about this "flare up". It is not as bad as pre-surgery though, which is a good thing. I just didn't want to over react and call too soon.
What kind of work do you do? It's possible you returned too soon and I do think you should make an appt. and see your surgeon. It could be scare tissue, or heaven forbid, re-herniation. I don't think you should delay....the longer you wait, the worse the problem will become.
Carol, I am a Medical Technologist on 3rd shift by myself. I do alot of walking, sitting, and bending. I really don't have to do any lifting. What will the doctors do if the pain is from scar tissue? What does it feel like if your SI joint is inflamed? I see that you suffer from this. I have alot of pain in that area that radiates. Maybe that is the problem. Thanks for your input. Aero
How do you tell the difference.... 
You would really need to have a MRI , CT scan, or EMG, etc to try to pinpoint if it is truely sciatica or a disc problem. Good luck 
