A 62-year-old man presents with low back pain radiating down his left leg to the foot, worse on coughing and sneezing. Straight-leg raise is positive ...

Question

A 62-year-old man presents with low back pain radiating down his left leg to the foot, worse on coughing and sneezing. Straight-leg raise is positive on the left at 30°. There is no bladder or bowel dysfunction. What is the most appropriate initial management?

Accepted Answer

Conservative management with analgesia and physiotherapy advice

Answer

Immediate MRI and urgent neurosurgical referral for all cases

Answer

Long-term bed rest for 2 weeks

Answer

High-dose systemic steroids for all patients

Answer

Arrange urgent spinal decompression surgery

uk-plab-1 MCQ (SBA): Lumbar radiculopathy (sciatica)

A 62-year-old man presents with low back pain radiating down his left leg to the foot, worse on coughing and sneezing. Straight-leg raise is positive on the left at 30°. There is no bladder or bowel dysfunction. What is the most appropriate initial management?