Back pain with a positive straight-leg raise test most often indicates which diagnosis?

Back pain with a positive straight-leg raise test most often indicates which diagnosis?

• A. L5 or S1 herniated disc
• B. C5-C6 disc herniation
• C. Scoliosis
• D. Facet arthropathy

Answer: (A)

A positive straight-leg raise points to radicular irritation from a lumbar disc herniation, most commonly at the lower lumbar level affecting the L5 or S1 nerve roots. Lifting the leg stretches the sciatic nerve and the associated nerve roots; if a disc herniation compresses these roots, pain is reproduced along the leg, typically below the knee. This pattern fits lumbar radiculopathy from a disc herniation. Upper-extremity symptoms would suggest a cervical disc issue, not a leg pain pattern. Scoliosis and facet arthropathy tend to cause axial back pain without a classic radicular distribution elicited by straight-leg raising.

A positive straight-leg raise points to radicular irritation from a lumbar disc herniation, most commonly at the lower lumbar level affecting the L5 or S1 nerve roots. Lifting the leg stretches the sciatic nerve and the associated nerve roots; if a disc herniation compresses these roots, pain is reproduced along the leg, typically below the knee. This pattern fits lumbar radiculopathy from a disc herniation. Upper-extremity symptoms would suggest a cervical disc issue, not a leg pain pattern. Scoliosis and facet arthropathy tend to cause axial back pain without a classic radicular distribution elicited by straight-leg raising.