Biology Forums - Study Force

Brad was bending over at the waist to lift a heavy suitcase in the airport before catching a plane to vacation in Bermuda when he felt a sharp pain in his back.  The pain was so bad he dropped the bag and fell to the floor.  So much for Bermuda, he was now on his way to the hospital in an ambulance.  He tried to sit up in the ambulance but that made him worse and the EMT told his to stay still.  By the time they reached the hospital the pain was going down the back of his left leg and into his foot.  At the hospital the attending ER Doc ordered an MRI of his Lumbar Spine.


1) What does the physician likely suspect has happened? (what will they be looking for on the MRI?) Describe the anatomical structures that have been damaged and why they are causing his symptoms (which nerve is likely involved?)

2) It is likely that an underlying weakness had built up over time and the lifting injury was the final insult that resulted in his condition.  What common lifting mistake did Brad make that contributed to this acute episode?

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