What test is used to confirm a painful sciatica diagnosis?

To confirm a diagnosis of painful sciatica, a CT scan of the lower back is a valuable tool because it provides detailed cross-sectional images of the spine, helping to identify any structural abnormalities that may be compressing the sciatic nerve. This imaging modality is particularly useful for visualizing herniated discs, stenosis, or other potential causes that lead to sciatic nerve irritation and pain.

While other imaging techniques such as plain radiographs may show bony abnormalities, they typically do not provide enough detail regarding soft tissue structures like intervertebral discs or nerve roots. Electromyography is beneficial in assessing nerve function and may help determine the extent of nerve impairment, but it does not directly visualize anatomical causes of sciatica. Ultrasound, while useful for evaluating certain soft tissue masses or guiding injections, is not commonly used for diagnosing sciatica in the lower back region. Thus, the CT scan emerges as the most appropriate and confirming test in this scenario for diagnosing the underlying reasons for a patient's painful sciatica.