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A 24-year-old female asked:

My brother (18 y) is suffering from lower back pain radiating to right leg. his lumbar spine mri report concludes minor disc bulge at l4-l5 without any significant spinal canal narrowing in lumbar spine. kindly guide about the report and what to do?

2 doctor answers3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Philip Schwarzman
Emergency Medicine 46 years experience
Sciatica: He has symptoms of sciatica which is an irritation/inflammation of the nerve going down the leg. The minor disc bulge may or may not be related but there is absolutely no need for surgery. This will resolve with time. He can use over the counter anti-inflammatory meds (ibuprofen ) for symptomatic relief.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Bennett Machanic
Neurology 54 years experience
? Peripheral : MRI does not explain the sciatica and may not fully explain back pain. Maybe there is sacroiliac dysfunction or piriformis syndrome? Regardless, get physical therapy
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Last updated Dec 20, 2020

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