Patient presentation
Chief complaint: Severe right-sided lower back pain radiating down the back of the leg to the foot for 6 weeks. Pain worse on sitting, better lying flat.
History: Long-distance truck driver. 14 years on the road, 12 hours daily. Episode started while loading cargo (lifting injury). MRI: L4-L5 mild disc bulge, L5-S1 moderate disc bulge with right-sided foraminal compression. Tried analgesics + physiotherapy 4 weeks with partial relief. Pain still 7/10 most days. Cannot drive comfortably; livelihood at risk. Wants Ayurveda as alternative to potential surgery.
Your Assessment (self-test)
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