Case 2:
A 61-year-old, retired sheet metal worker, with chronic low back pain presented with a 2-month history of left sciatica that irradiated to the foot in the L5 dermatome. Past medical history was unremarkable. There was no paraesthesia, weakness, or bowel or bladder dysfunction. Physical examination demonstrated a full range of motion. Motor and sensory functions were normal and the straight leg-raising test was positive in the left. Biological tests were normal.
Radiographs showed degenerative changes in the lumbar spine. CT scans demonstrated a foraminal disc protrusion with intradiscal gas compressing the left L5 nerve root (Fig 2). The patient improved on conservative management or symptomatic treatment.