| 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 |