When you're talking about low backache you can't stop mentioning about lumbar disc herniation . It's one of the commonest causes of radicular pain. L4-L5 disc herniation is commonest followed by L5-S1 and L3-L4 . The tests to confirm are straight leg rise test, crossed straight leg raise test and femoral stretch tests . The role of active and passive exercises has been found inconsistent. Interestingly, acupuncture is found to be beneficial in many cases.
Muscle relaxants alone or in combination with NSAIDs provide symptomatic relief. Epidural steroid injection has been found to be beneficial. Percutaneous disk decompression is replacing decompression, discectomy and fusion surgeries these days. Operative treatment are the last choice. Discectomy for herniation of disc, Laminectomy for lumbar canal stenosis and lumbar fusion surgery for non radicular and low backache due to degenerative…
