A 33 year-old man developed severe low back pain radiating down the left leg. Examination showed an absent left ankle reflex and loss of sensation over the left lateral foot and posterior lateral leg.

A 33 year-old man developed severe low back pain radiating down the left leg. Examination showed an absent left ankle reflex and loss of sensation over the left lateral foot and posterior lateral leg.

Low back pain affects most adults in their lifetime. Some L5-S1 exercises may help, but seek consultation for persistent pain.

Herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP), also referred to as a herniated disc, is a common spine pathology that occurs approximately 95% of the time at the L4-L5 or L5-S1 level (Fisher et al., 2004; Asch et ...