Regression in the Symptoms and Discal Hernia in Case of Lumbar Radiculopathy

BACKGROUND: Discogenic lumbar radiculopathy has a favorable potential for survival; the regression of clinical symptoms may outpace the subsidence of discal hernia. AIM: The objective of the study is comparing the clinical data and the results of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with discogenic lumbar radiculopathy over 1 year of observation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two patients (13 males at the average age of 39.1 ± 11.8 years) with discogenic lumbar radiculopathy confirmed by MRI were examined in the study. The intensity of pain condition was assessed using the numerical rating scale; disability was assessed using the Oswestry disability index. Sixteen patients were subjected to repeated MRI. RESULTS: Statistically significant (p < 0.01) reduction of the average pain intensity and intensity of disability more than 2 times was observed as early as in the first 2 weeks. Gradual reduction of pain and disability was observed during the year. Reduction of discal hernia by more than 50% was observed on average after 8.7 ± 4.7 months. CONCLUSION: In the case of discogenic radiculopathy, the reduction of pain and related disability far outstrips the regression of the herniation of intervertebral disk.