AANP Lightning Round Practice Test

Herniated disc with sciatica is typically worse with which posture?

Standing Lying flat Sitting Walking

Correct Answer:

Sitting

Explanation:

Posture changes disc pressure and nerve compression. Sitting, especially with forward flexion (slouching), increases intradiscal pressure and narrows the spaces where the nerve roots exit the spine. This makes the bulging disc press more on the sciatic nerve, intensifying leg pain. Lying flat unloads the spine and reduces pressure, often relieving symptoms. Standing and walking involve less flexion, so they’re usually less provocative than sitting, but the classic radicular pain from a herniation is most aggravated by sitting.

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