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A member asked:
Mri finding of disc buldge of l-4-l5. sciatic pain running down leg for 5 months. straight leg test negative. which is more accurate? mri or slr?
3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
MRI : Mri is an imaging tool and shows the anatomy. Straight leg raise is a physical exam tool which may help with diagnosis. Mri would be the more accurate and helpful tool in diagnosis and management.
Answered 11/22/2013
4.7k views
MRI: For soft tissue, MRI is much better. However, disk bulge does not mean you have to have pain. It is a very common finding for most population of more than 30 years old. Straight leg raising test negative indicated your sciatic nerve and s1 nerve root not irritated too much. You might have si joint pain.
Answered 1/18/2015
4.7k views
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