Liver blood tests are some of the most commonly performed blood tests. These tests can be used to assess liver functions or liver injury. An initial step in detecting liver damage is a simple blood test to determine the level of certain liver enzymes (proteins) in the blood.
1 Degeneration (deterioration) of the disc makes the disc more susceptible to herniation (rupture), which can lead to localized or radiating pain. 2  Sciatica can result from disc herniation ( ruptured disc ) when nerves in the low back are irritated.
Reversing Degenerative Disk Disease. Of all the conditions associated with lower back pain the most misunderstood is what doctors refer to as degenerative disk disease. You may be familiar with the name if you've been diagnosed with a bulging disk, a herniated disk, a ruptured disk, sciatica or a pinched nerve.