Recover from a Hip Flexor Strain: A Step-by-Step Guide

Hip Flexor Strain: A Comprehensive Guide to Recovery

A hip flexor strain is a common injury that can cause pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion in the hip. It is often caused by overuse or sudden movements that put stress on the hip flexor muscles. While most hip flexor strains can be treated with conservative measures, such as rest, ice, and physical therapy, more severe strains may require surgery.

This comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to know about hip flexor strains, including the causes, symptoms, treatment options, and preventive measures. We will also discuss when to seek professional help for a hip flexor strain.

Understanding Hip Flexor Strain The hip flexors are a group of muscles that help to lift the thigh towards the body. They are used in a variety of activities, including walking, running, and kicking. A hip flexor strain occurs when one or more of these muscles is overstretched or torn. This can happen suddenly, such as when you fall or make a sudden movement, or it can develop gradually over time.

1. Understanding Hip Flexor Strain

Understanding Hip Flexor Strain: The nature, causes, and symptoms associated with a hip flexor strain

A hip flexor strain is a common injury that can cause pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion in the hip. It is often caused by overuse or sudden movements that put stress on the hip flexor muscles. While most hip flexor strains can be treated with conservative measures, such as rest, ice, and physical therapy, more severe strains may require surgery.

Causes of Hip Flexor Strain Hip flexor strains are most commonly caused by overuse or sudden, forceful movements that put stress on the hip flexor muscles. This can happen during activities such as running, jumping, or kicking. Other causes of hip flexor strains include:

• Tightness in the hip flexor muscles
• Weakness in the hip flexor muscles
• Muscle imbalances
• Poor posture
• Trauma

Symptoms of Hip Flexor Strain The symptoms of a hip flexor strain can vary depending on the severity of the injury. Mild strains may only cause mild pain and stiffness, while more severe strains can cause severe pain and make it difficult to walk or bear weight on the affected leg. Common symptoms of a hip flexor strain include:

• Pain in the hip or groin
• Stiffness in the hip
• Limited range of motion in the hip
• Tenderness to the touch in the hip or groin
• Pain when walking, running, or kicking
• Swelling in the hip or groin

Anatomy and Function of Hip Flexors

Anatomy and Function of Hip Flexors: An overview of the muscles that make up the hip flexors and their role in movement

The hip flexors are a group of muscles that work together to lift the thigh toward the body. They are used in a variety of activities, including walking, running, and kicking. The main hip flexor muscles are the iliacus, psoas major, and rectus femoris.

• Iliacus: The iliacus muscle is located deep within the pelvis. It originates from the inner surface of the ilium (pelvic bone) and inserts on the lesser trochanter of the femur (thigh bone).
• Psoas major: The psoas major muscle is also located deep within the pelvis. It originates from the lumbar vertebrae (lower back bones) and inserts on the lesser trochanter of the femur.
• Rectus femoris: The rectus femoris muscle is located on the front of the thigh. It originates from the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) of the ilium and inserts on the patella (kneecap).

When the hip flexor muscles contract, they pull the thigh toward the body. This action is essential for a variety of movements, including:

• Walking
• Running
• Kicking
• Climbing stairs
• Getting out of a chair
• Standing up from a squatting position

Common Causes of Hip Flexor Strain

Common Causes of Hip Flexor Strain: Activities and factors that can lead to a hip flexor strain, including sports, overuse, and improper form.

Hip flexor strains are most commonly caused by overuse or sudden, forceful movements that put stress on the hip flexor muscles. This can happen during activities such as running, jumping, or kicking. Other causes of hip flexor strains include:

• Tightness in the hip flexor muscles
• Weakness in the hip flexor muscles
• Muscle imbalances
• Poor posture
• Trauma

Activities that can lead to hip flexor strains:

• Running: Running is a high-impact activity that can put a lot of stress on the hip flexor muscles. This is especially true if you are running on a hard surface, such as concrete or asphalt.
• Jumping: Jumping is another high-impact activity that can put stress on the hip flexor muscles. This is especially true if you are landing from a jump on a hard surface.
• Kicking: Kicking is a powerful movement that can put a lot of stress on the hip flexor muscles. This is especially true if you are kicking a heavy object, such as a soccer ball or a football.
• Other activities: Other activities that can put stress on the hip flexor muscles include cycling, swimming, and weightlifting.

Factors that can increase your risk of developing a hip flexor strain:

• Tightness in the hip flexor muscles: Tight hip flexor muscles are more likely to be injured when they are put under stress.
• Weakness in the hip flexor muscles: Weak hip flexor muscles are more likely to be injured when they are put under stress.
• Muscle imbalances: Muscle imbalances can occur when one muscle group is stronger than the opposing muscle group. This can lead to the stronger muscle group pulling on the weaker muscle group and causing a strain.
• Poor posture: Poor posture can put stress on the hip flexor muscles. This is especially true if you are sitting for long periods of time with your hips flexed.
• Trauma: Trauma to the hip area can also cause a hip flexor strain.

Symptoms of Hip Flexor Strain

Symptoms of Hip Flexor Strain: Pain, tenderness, stiffness, and limited range of motion experienced with a hip flexor strain.

The symptoms of a hip flexor strain can vary depending on the severity of the injury. Mild strains may only cause mild pain and stiffness, while more severe strains can cause severe pain and make it difficult to walk or bear weight on the affected leg. Common symptoms of a hip flexor strain include:

• Pain in the hip or groin
• Stiffness in the hip
• Limited range of motion in the hip
• Tenderness to the touch in the hip or groin
• Pain when walking, running, or kicking
• Swelling in the hip or groin

In some cases, a hip flexor strain may also cause numbness or tingling in the leg or foot. This is because the hip flexor muscles are located near the sciatic nerve, which runs down the back of the leg. If you experience numbness or tingling in the leg or foot, it is important to see a doctor to rule out other potential causes, such as a herniated disc.

Hip flexor strains are usually diagnosed based on a physical examination. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and they will perform a physical exam to check for pain, tenderness, and limited range of motion in the hip. In some cases, your doctor may also order an imaging test, such as an X-ray or MRI, to confirm the diagnosis.

2. Treatment Options for Hip Flexor Strain

Treatment Options for Hip Flexor Strain: Non-surgical and surgical approaches to managing a hip flexor strain.

The treatment for a hip flexor strain will depend on the severity of the injury. Mild strains can usually be treated with conservative measures, such as rest, ice, and physical therapy. More severe strains may require surgery.

Conservative Treatment The goal of conservative treatment is to reduce pain and inflammation and to improve range of motion in the hip. Conservative treatment options for a hip flexor strain may include:

• Rest: Resting the injured hip is important to allow the muscles to heal. Avoid activities that aggravate the pain.
• Ice: Applying ice to the injured hip can help to reduce pain and swelling.
• Compression: Wearing a compression bandage around the injured hip can help to reduce swelling.
• Elevation: Elevating the injured hip above the level of your heart can help to reduce swelling.
• Physical therapy: A physical therapist can teach you exercises to help improve range of motion and strength in the hip.

Medication In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medication to help relieve pain and inflammation. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can be effective in reducing pain and inflammation. In some cases, your doctor may also prescribe a stronger pain reliever, such as a prescription opioid.

Surgery Surgery is rarely necessary for a hip flexor strain. However, surgery may be necessary if the strain is severe and does not respond to conservative treatment. Surgery for a hip flexor strain typically involves repairing the damaged muscle.

Conservative Treatment

Conservative Treatment: Initial steps such as rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), along with physical therapy.

The first line of treatment for a hip flexor strain is conservative treatment. Conservative treatment aims to reduce pain and inflammation and to improve range of motion in the hip. Conservative treatment options may include:

• Rest: Resting the injured hip is important to allow the muscles to heal. Avoid activities that aggravate the pain.
• Ice: Applying ice to the injured hip can help to reduce pain and swelling. Ice should be applied for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
• Compression: Wearing a compression bandage around the injured hip can help to reduce swelling. The compression bandage should be snug but not too tight.
• Elevation: Elevating the injured hip above the level of your heart can help to reduce swelling.

In addition to RICE, your doctor may also recommend physical therapy. Physical therapy can help to improve range of motion and strength in the hip. A physical therapist can also teach you exercises to help prevent future hip flexor strains.

RICE is an acronym for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. These are the initial steps in treating a hip flexor strain. By following these steps, you can help to reduce pain and inflammation and to promote healing.

Physical therapy can help to improve range of motion and strength in the hip. A physical therapist can also teach you exercises to help prevent future hip flexor strains.

Medication

Medication: Over-the-counter or prescription medications to reduce pain and inflammation.

In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medication to help relieve pain and inflammation associated with a hip flexor strain. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can be effective in reducing pain and inflammation. In some cases, your doctor may also prescribe a stronger pain reliever, such as a prescription opioid.

Over-the-counter pain relievers Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can be effective in reducing pain and inflammation associated with a hip flexor strain. These medications work by blocking the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals that cause pain and inflammation.

Prescription pain relievers In some cases, your doctor may prescribe a stronger pain reliever, such as a prescription opioid. Prescription opioids are more effective than over-the-counter pain relievers in reducing pain, but they also have a higher risk of side effects, such as drowsiness, nausea, and constipation.

It is important to take medication only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more than the recommended dosage, and do not take medication for longer than prescribed.

NSAIDs NSAIDs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are a class of medications that can help to reduce pain and inflammation. NSAIDs work by blocking the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals that cause pain and inflammation. Common NSAIDs include ibuprofen, naproxen, and celecoxib.

Opioids Opioids are a class of medications that can help to relieve pain. Opioids work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, which blocks the transmission of pain signals. Common opioids include codeine, oxycodone, and hydrocodone.

Surgery

Surgery: Rare cases may require surgical repair of the damaged hip flexor muscle.

Surgery is rarely necessary for a hip flexor strain. However, surgery may be necessary if the strain is severe and does not respond to conservative treatment. Surgery for a hip flexor strain typically involves repairing the damaged muscle.

When is surgery necessary? Surgery may be necessary for a hip flexor strain if the strain is severe and does not respond to conservative treatment. Surgery may also be necessary if the strain has caused a complete tear of the muscle.

What does surgery involve? Surgery for a hip flexor strain typically involves repairing the damaged muscle. This may be done through an open incision or through a minimally invasive arthroscopic procedure. In an open incision surgery, the surgeon will make an incision in the hip and directly repair the damaged muscle. In an arthroscopic procedure, the surgeon will make a few small incisions in the hip and insert a camera and surgical instruments to repair the muscle.

What is the recovery from surgery? The recovery from surgery for a hip flexor strain typically takes several months. After surgery, you will need to wear a brace or cast to immobilize the hip. You will also need to do physical therapy to regain range of motion and strength in the hip.

3. Rehabilitation and Recovery

Rehabilitation and Recovery: Exercises, stretches, and lifestyle modifications to aid recovery and prevent recurrence.

Once you have started to feel better, you can begin to add exercises and stretches to your routine to help you regain full range of motion and strength in your hip. You should always consult with your doctor or physical therapist before starting any new exercise program.

Exercises There are a number of exercises that can help to rehabilitate a hip flexor strain. These exercises can help to improve range of motion, strength, and flexibility in the hip.

Stretches Stretching can also help to improve range of motion and flexibility in the hip. There are a number of different stretches that can be beneficial for a hip flexor strain.

Lifestyle modifications In addition to exercises and stretches, there are a number of lifestyle modifications that can help to prevent a hip flexor strain from recurring. These modifications include:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Warming up before exercise
• Cooling down after exercise
• Avoiding sudden movements
• Strengthening the hip muscles

Stretching Exercises

Stretching Exercises: Gentle stretches to improve flexibility and reduce tightness in the hip flexors.

Stretching can help to improve range of motion and flexibility in the hip flexors. There are a number of different stretches that can be beneficial for a hip flexor strain. Some gentle stretches that you can try include:

• Standing quad stretch: Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Bend your right knee and grab your right foot with your right hand. Pull your heel towards your buttocks until you feel a stretch in your right quadriceps and hip flexors. Hold the stretch for 30 seconds and then repeat with your left leg.
• Kneeling hip flexor stretch: Kneel on your right knee with your left leg extended in front of you. Lean forward and place your hands on the ground in front of you. Gently push your hips forward until you feel a stretch in your right hip flexors. Hold the stretch for 30 seconds and then repeat with your left leg.
• Seated hip flexor stretch: Sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you. Bend your right knee and bring your right foot towards your groin. Gently pull your right knee towards your chest until you feel a stretch in your right hip flexors. Hold the stretch for 30 seconds and then repeat with your left leg.

These are just a few examples of gentle stretches that can help to improve flexibility and reduce tightness in the hip flexors. It is important to listen to your body and stop if you feel any pain. You should also hold each stretch for at least 30 seconds to get the full benefit.

Strengthening Exercises

Strengthening Exercises: Exercises to gradually strengthen the hip flexor muscles and improve stability.

Once you have regained some range of motion in your hip, you can begin to add strengthening exercises to your routine. Strengthening the hip flexor muscles can help to improve stability and prevent future injuries.

Some strengthening exercises that you can try include:

• Straight leg raises: Lie on your back with your legs extended. Lift your right leg straight up towards the ceiling, keeping your knee straight. Slowly lower your leg back down to the ground. Repeat with your left leg. Start with 2 sets of 10 repetitions and gradually increase the number of repetitions as you get stronger.
• Hip flexor bridges: Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Lift your hips up towards the ceiling, squeezing your glutes at the top of the movement. Slowly lower your hips back down to the ground. Repeat for 2 sets of 10 repetitions.
• Squats: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Slowly lower your body down into a squat position, keeping your back straight and your knees aligned with your toes. Push back up to the starting position. Repeat for 2 sets of 10 repetitions.

Lifestyle Modifications

Lifestyle Modifications: Adjustments to daily activities, such as avoiding prolonged sitting and maintaining a healthy weight.

In addition to exercises and stretches, there are a number of lifestyle modifications that can help to prevent a hip flexor strain from recurring. These modifications include:

• Maintaining a healthy weight: Excess weight can put stress on the hip flexor muscles, making them more likely to strain.
• Warming up before exercise: Warming up the hip flexor muscles before exercise can help to prevent them from straining.
• Cooling down after exercise: Cooling down the hip flexor muscles after exercise can help to reduce inflammation and prevent soreness.
• Avoiding sudden movements: Sudden movements can put stress on the hip flexor muscles, making them more likely to strain.
• Strengthening the hip muscles: Strong hip muscles can help to stabilize the hip and prevent the hip flexor muscles from straining.

4. Preventive Measures

Preventive Measures: Strategies to reduce the risk of developing a hip flexor strain.

There are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of developing a hip flexor strain. These include:

• Warming up before exercise: Warming up the hip flexor muscles before exercise can help to prevent them from straining.
• Cooling down after exercise: Cooling down the hip flexor muscles after exercise can help to reduce inflammation and prevent soreness.
• Stretching regularly: Stretching the hip flexor muscles regularly can help to improve flexibility and range of motion, which can reduce the risk of straining the muscles.
• Strengthening the hip muscles: Strong hip muscles can help to stabilize the hip and prevent the hip flexor muscles from straining.
• Avoiding sudden movements: Sudden movements can put stress on the hip flexor muscles, making them more likely to strain.
• Maintaining a healthy weight: Excess weight can put stress on the hip flexor muscles, making them more likely to strain.

Warm-up and Cool-down

Warm-up and Cool-down: Including proper warm-up and cool-down routines before and after exercise.

A proper warm-up and cool-down routine can help to prevent a hip flexor strain. A warm-up prepares the hip flexor muscles for exercise by increasing blood flow and temperature. A cool-down helps to reduce inflammation and soreness in the hip flexor muscles after exercise.

Warm-up A warm-up should include exercises that gradually increase the range of motion and intensity of movement. For example, you can start by walking for a few minutes, then jogging for a few minutes, and then doing some dynamic stretches, such as leg swings and arm circles.

Cool-down A cool-down should include exercises that gradually decrease the range of motion and intensity of movement. For example, you can start by walking for a few minutes, then jogging for a few minutes, and then doing some static stretches, such as holding each stretch for 30 seconds.

Benefits of warming up and cooling down Warming up and cooling down can provide a number of benefits, including:

• Reduced risk of injury
• Improved performance
• Reduced muscle soreness
• Improved flexibility
• Increased range of motion

Stretching and Strengthening

Stretching and Strengthening: Regular stretching and strengthening exercises to maintain flexibility and strength in the hip flexors.

Regular stretching and strengthening exercises can help to maintain flexibility and strength in the hip flexors, which can help to prevent a hip flexor strain. Stretching helps to improve the range of motion in the hip flexors, while strengthening exercises help to build strength and stability in the muscles.

Stretching There are a number of different stretches that can help to improve flexibility in the hip flexors. Some examples include:

• Standing quad stretch: Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Bend your right knee and grab your right foot with your right hand. Pull your heel towards your buttocks until you feel a stretch in your right quadriceps and hip flexors. Hold the stretch for 30 seconds and then repeat with your left leg.
• Kneeling hip flexor stretch: Kneel on your right knee with your left leg extended in front of you. Lean forward and place your hands on the ground in front of you. Gently push your hips forward until you feel a stretch in your right hip flexors. Hold the stretch for 30 seconds and then repeat with your left leg.
• Seated hip flexor stretch: Sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you. Bend your right knee and bring your right foot towards your groin. Gently pull your right knee towards your chest until you feel a stretch in your right hip flexors. Hold the stretch for 30 seconds and then repeat with your left leg.

Strengthening There are also a number of different strengthening exercises that can help to build strength and stability in the hip flexors. Some examples include:

• Straight leg raises: Lie on your back with your legs extended. Lift your right leg straight up towards the ceiling, keeping your knee straight. Slowly lower your leg back down to the ground. Repeat with your left leg. Start with 2 sets of 10 repetitions and gradually increase the number of repetitions as you get stronger.
• Hip flexor bridges: Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Lift your hips up towards the ceiling, squeezing your glutes at the top of the movement. Slowly lower your hips back down to the ground. Repeat for 2 sets of 10 repetitions.
• Squats: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Slowly lower your body down into a squat position, keeping your back straight and your knees aligned with your toes. Push back up to the starting position. Repeat for 2 sets of 10 repetitions.

Gradual Progression

Gradual Progression: Avoiding sudden increases in activity intensity and duration to prevent overloading the hip flexors.

When returning to activity after a hip flexor strain, it is important to gradually increase the intensity and duration of your activities to avoid overloading the hip flexors and re-injuring yourself. This means starting with low-impact activities, such as walking or swimming, and gradually increasing the intensity and duration of your workouts as you get stronger.

For example, if you are a runner, you might start by walking for 30 minutes, three times per week. The following week, you could increase your walking time to 45 minutes, and the following week, you could add some jogging to your walks. Gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts until you are back to your previous fitness level.

It is also important to listen to your body and rest when you need to. If you experience any pain or discomfort in your hip flexors, stop the activity and rest. You can also apply ice to the area and take over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen or naproxen.

By following these tips, you can help to prevent re-injuring your hip flexors and get back to your previous fitness level safely.

5. When to Seek Professional Help

When to Seek Professional Help: Recognizing signs that require medical attention for a hip flexor strain.

Most hip flexor strains can be treated with home care, such as rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). However, there are some cases where it is important to seek professional medical attention. These cases include:

• Persistent pain and stiffness: If you have persistent pain and stiffness in your hip that does not improve with home care, you should see a doctor to rule out other potential causes, such as a fracture or dislocation.
• Difficulty walking or bearing weight: If you have difficulty walking or bearing weight on your affected leg, you should see a doctor to rule out a more serious injury, such as a complete tear of the hip flexor muscle.
• Signs of infection: If you have any signs of infection, such as fever, redness, swelling, or drainage from the affected area, you should see a doctor immediately.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor to rule out other potential causes and to get the appropriate treatment.

Persistent Pain and Stiffness

Persistent Pain and Stiffness: Ongoing pain and stiffness despite home treatment.

If you have persistent pain and stiffness in your hip that does not improve with home treatment, you should see a doctor to rule out other potential causes. These causes may include:

• A more serious injury: A complete tear of the hip flexor muscle or a fracture or dislocation of the hip can cause persistent pain and stiffness. These injuries require medical treatment to heal properly.
• Other medical conditions: Other medical conditions, such as arthritis or a pinched nerve, can also cause pain and stiffness in the hip. Your doctor can help to diagnose the underlying cause of your pain and recommend the appropriate treatment.

Treatment for persistent pain and stiffness The treatment for persistent pain and stiffness in the hip will depend on the underlying cause. If the pain is caused by a more serious injury, such as a complete tear of the hip flexor muscle, surgery may be necessary to repair the injury. If the pain is caused by another medical condition, such as arthritis, your doctor may recommend medication, physical therapy, or other treatments to manage the condition and relieve pain.

When to see a doctor If you have persistent pain and stiffness in your hip that does not improve with home treatment, it is important to see a doctor to rule out other potential causes and to get the appropriate treatment.

Difficulty Walking or Bearing Weight

Difficulty Walking or Bearing Weight: Inability to walk or put weight on the affected leg.

If you have difficulty walking or bearing weight on your affected leg, you should see a doctor to rule out a more serious injury, such as a complete tear of the hip flexor muscle. A complete tear of the hip flexor muscle is a serious injury that requires surgery to repair. Other potential causes of difficulty walking or bearing weight on the affected leg include:

• A fracture or dislocation of the hip: A fracture or dislocation of the hip can cause severe pain and make it difficult or impossible to walk or bear weight on the affected leg.
• Other medical conditions: Other medical conditions, such as arthritis or a pinched nerve, can also cause difficulty walking or bearing weight on the affected leg.

Treatment for difficulty walking or bearing weight The treatment for difficulty walking or bearing weight on the affected leg will depend on the underlying cause. If the difficulty walking is caused by a complete tear of the hip flexor muscle, surgery will be necessary to repair the injury. If the difficulty walking is caused by a fracture or dislocation of the hip, treatment will involve immobilizing the hip and allowing it to heal. If the difficulty walking is caused by another medical condition, such as arthritis, your doctor may recommend medication, physical therapy, or other treatments to manage the condition and improve mobility.

When to see a doctor If you have difficulty walking or bearing weight on your affected leg, it is important to see a doctor to rule out other potential causes and to get the appropriate treatment.

Signs of Infection

Signs of Infection: Fever, redness, swelling, or drainage from the affected area.

If you have any signs of infection, such as fever, redness, swelling, or drainage from the affected area, you should see a doctor immediately. These symptoms may indicate a serious infection that requires prompt medical treatment. Other potential signs of infection include:

• Chills
• Nausea and vomiting
• Confusion
• Rapid heart rate

Treatment for infection The treatment for an infection will depend on the type of infection and the severity of the infection. Treatment may include antibiotics, pain medication, and rest. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to drain an abscess or remove infected tissue.

When to see a doctor It is important to see a doctor immediately if you have any signs of infection. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent serious complications.

Quiz

1. True or False: Hip flexor strains are most commonly caused by overuse or sudden movements.
2. Which of the following is NOT a symptom of a hip flexor strain?
   • (a) Pain in the hip or groin
   • (b) Stiffness in the hip
   • (c) Numbness in the leg
   • (d) Limited range of motion in the hip
3. Which type of treatment involves resting the injured hip, applying ice, and elevating the leg?
   • (a) Conservative treatment
   • (b) Medication
   • (c) Surgery
4. True or False: Surgery is always necessary for a hip flexor strain.
5. What is an important lifestyle modification that can help to prevent hip flexor strains?
   • (a) Avoiding prolonged sitting
   • (b) Maintaining a healthy weight
   • (c) Warming up before exercise
   • (d) All of the above

Answer Key

1. True
2. (c) Numbness in the leg
3. (a) Conservative treatment
4. False
5. (d) All of the above