A 35-year-old male presents to the clinic with acute low bac…

Questions

A 35-yeаr-оld mаle presents tо the clinic with аcute lоw back pain that began suddenly while performing squats at the gym two days ago. He describes a sharp stinging pain in the lower back that radiates down the posterior aspect of his left leg to the calf. The pain worsens with sitting, coughing, and bending forward. He denies loss of bowel and bladder. Reports taking acetaminophen with little relief. On physical exam, he has decreased left ankle reflex and weakness with plantar flexion. A straight leg raise test is positive on the left side. Sensation is intact bilaterally.  Which condition should the AGACNP be most suspicious for?