M. Alvarez

Patient reports low back pain for approximately 9 weeks, non-radiating initially, now with mild left-sided radicular symptoms down the posterior thigh. No history of trauma, no bowel or bladder dysfunction, no saddle anesthesia, no fever, no unintentional weight loss, no history of malignancy. Completed 6 weeks of NSAIDs and a structured physical therapy course (12 visits) with only minor improvement. Straight leg raise mildly positive on the left. No prior lumbar spine surgery. Requesting MRI to evaluate for disc pathology prior to considering referral to spine specialist.