Question
Hello Im 42 year old male, reasonably active, I have had back problems for years, mostly mild connected with sciatica, I have never been diagnosed with a disc condition. About a week and half ago I started experiencing excruciating pain in the lower back that seems to be radiating to the hips and sometimes down to the knee, I can't put my finger on it. I have tried yoga to relieve the pain since I'm not big on pain relievers, when I twist I feel pain in my left clavicle, I'm starting to wonder if something went out of alignment? The only time I feel some relief is when I am sitting on the bed against the pillow. It's only been less than 2 weeks and since I think it may be sciatica I am waiting for it to go away, I understand it can take as much as 6 weeks. My concern is that it's not sciatica and it's a herniated disk. How can I be sure? I have an appointment with my GP later this month and if it's still a problem I will mention it.

Thanks

Answer
In order to determine if it's a herniated disc or not, you will need to have an X-ray and/or MRI done.  Your doctor will need to order it so be certain to describe the symptoms to him or her.  In fact, you might want to call them and get the tests done before your appointment so that the doctor can give you the results.

Thanks for your question, Ken.  I hope that my answer was helpful.