Group 1 (n = 5)

(nonradicular)

Group 2 (n = 6)

(true radiculopathy)

Group 3 (n = 9)

(pseudoradiculopathy)

Group 4 (n = 4)

(peripheral neuropathy)

Pattern of clinical symptoms and deficits

LBP extending unilaterally or bilaterally to

buttocks or hips with normal neuromuscular examination

LBP with unilateral radicular and neuromuscular deficits (focal myotonal weakness, foot drop, and absent ankle jerk)

LBP with nondermatomal unilateral sensory symptoms in 5 patients, and bilateral sensory and cold and swollen sensation in the thighs and legs in 4 patients

LBP with bilateral sensory and motor deficits including loss of muscle stretch reflexes

EMG nerve conduction findings

Normal

Abnormal EMG; normal nerve conduction

Normal

Both abnormal EMG and abnormal nerve conduction

MRI findings

HNP (L3 - 4 in 2 patients; L4 - 5 in 2 patients; L5 - S1 in 1 patient);

bulging and disc

degeneration

HNP (L2 - 3 in 2 patients; L3 - 4 in 1 patient; L4 - 5 in 2 patients; L5 - S1 in 1 patient);

bulging and disc

degeneration

HNP (L4 - 5 in 5 patients and L5 - S1 in 4 patients); bulging and mild disc degeneration

HNP (L3 - 4 in 1 patient and L4 - 5 in 2 patients); bulging and mild disc degeneration in 1 patient