Aching in the L5–S1 area or in the upper sacroiliac joint is common with
disk rupture. Increased back and sciatic pain with coughing, sneezing, straining, or
other forms of the Valsalva maneuver suggests disk rupture
variable
reduction
There are
frequently unanticipated variations of these reflex
patterns.
A positive test consists of reproduction
or marked worsening of the patient’s initial
pain and firm resistance to further elevation of
the leg
Many persons without spinal abnormalities
have hamstring and gluteal tightness with
discomfort elicited by straight-leg raising, but
the pain is more diffuse than in sciatica and the
leg can be lifted higher if the maneuver is performed
slowly