A 45-year-old man has low back pain radiating down the posterior leg to the foot after lifting furniture. Straight-leg raise reproduces pain at 40

Question

A 45-year-old man has low back pain radiating down the posterior leg to the foot after lifting furniture. Straight-leg raise reproduces pain at 40 degrees. Strength and bladder function are normal. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step?

Accepted Answer

Conservative management with activity and analgesia

Answer

Immediate lumbar MRI for every case

Answer

Emergency decompression surgery

Answer

Long-term oral steroids as standard care

Answer

Antibiotics for discitis

Lumbar radiculopathy — ABFM Board MCQ

A 45-year-old man has low back pain radiating down the posterior leg to the foot after lifting furniture. Straight-leg raise reproduces pain at 40 degrees. Strength and bladder function are normal. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step?