Patient History A 24-year-old air force officer presented with a 5-month history of back pain which was radiating to his left buttock, leg and great toe. The patient reported no inciting event and rated his pain at 7/10. Patient Symptoms The patient reported an aggravated pain while lifting, coughing, bending forward and running, however, his symptoms were slightly relieved by rest. The patient was unable to perform his official duties due to the intensity of his pain.
Despite treatment with physical therapy and medications which included dosage of prednisone, the patient condition failed to improve. An epidural steroid injection (ESI) given to the patient resulted in about 25%(approx.) decrease in symptoms that persisted for a very short duration. The patient requested for definitive treatment in order to return to the flight line. Clinical Examination Physical examination of the…
