Question

In a clinical scenario where pain is exacerbated by sitting and backward flexion, what is the likely diagnosis?

A) Lumbar disc herniation
B) Sciatica
C) Lumbar spinal stenosis
D) Sacroiliitis

Answer 1

In a scenario where pain is increased by sitting and backward flexion, the likely diagnosis is lumbar disc herniation, specifically at the L4/L5 or L5/S1 intervertebral discs, leading to sciatica.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the clinical scenario where pain is exacerbated by sitting and backward flexion, the likely diagnosis is A) Lumbar disc herniation. This is consistent with how the nuclear pulposus can protrude posteriorly through the anulus fibrosus when bending forward and lifting a heavy object, potentially causing compression of a spinal nerve. Typically, the most common sites for disc herniation that would lead to these symptoms are at the L4/L5 or L5/S1 intervertebral discs.

This compression can result in sciatica, which is characterized by widespread pain radiating from the lower back down the thigh and into the leg. Additionally, the weakening of the anulus fibrosus due to injury or increasing age can lead to herniation.