Objective: To report spontaneous regression of two extruded lumbar disc herniations in a 31-year-old male, as evidenced by the comparison between the initial and a 13-month follow-up MRI.
Clinical Features: A 31-year-old male complained of chronic low back pain that had recently exacerbated. The initial pain had started approximately 13 months ago with a diagnosis of two extruded lumbar disc herniations at L5-S1 based on initial MRI scan. Due
to recent exacerbation of the pain, a follow-up MRI was performed and compared with the previous study.
Intervention/outcome: The initial MRI of the lumbar spine demonstrated two disc herniations, large left and small right paracentral disc extrusions at L5-S1. A follow-up MRI revealed no evidence of the disc herniations observed in the initial MRI.
Conclusion: The comparison between the initial and follow-up MRI studies demonstrates spontaneous regression of both extruded lumbar disc herniations. While not predictable, the fact that a herniated disc can resolve spontaneously places more emphasis on the role of a trial of conservative treatment.
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