Diagnosis can be made with simple X-rays. However, if nerve damage is a concern, the doctor may perform an MRI to assess the extent of the damage. Another test to detect a ruptured disk in the lower back is the straight-leg-raise test. The doctor lifts the patient’s heel with his or her leg passively extended. This stretches the sciatic nerve, which is located at the back of the hip and goes down the back of the leg. If it elicits pain, the patient probably may have a ruptured disk.Back pain has no easy cure. Patients usually only treat the symptoms with heat, rest, and aspirin. Pain relief is essential, because pain causes muscle spasms, which cause more pain, etc. Exercise should be the centerpiece of managing degenerative disk disease. Surgery is used as a last resort.
