Based on my husband's lumbar X-ray, kindly suggest a treatment for his low back ache.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I went through the two X-rays you have provided (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity). Adequate evaluation is limited by loads of overlapping intestinal and colonic gases; most likely, they took the X-ray without proper bowel preparation, or the patient is suffering from constipation. From the given images, I can infer a decrease in the intervertebral disk space at L4, L5 level, suggestive of prolapse or protrusion of intervertebral discs at the corresponding level, which must be compressing the nerve roots at that level, thereby leading to pain and weakness. An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the lumbosacral spine is suggested for further evaluation. This finding at such young age is primarily due to heavy weight lifting or sporting activity, or trauma. In addition, I would like to know if he is experiencing a tingling sensation or pain along his lower back radiating to the gluteal (buttock region) and the backside of the thigh. Also, I would like to know if he has any muscle weakness or gait problems while walking and running.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

The symptoms you have described favor radiculopathy, which may happen due to nerve compression by a protruding intervertebral disk. To confirm the same, get an MRI of the lumbosacral spine, as I suggested before. Regarding pain after running, it may be due to insufficient training, stress, vitamin-mineral deficiency, claudication (if he is a heavy smoker). However, before starting any treatment for now or investigating other causes, let us first rule out the diagnosis of prolapse of the intervertebral disk.