Question

which symptoms require urgent evaluation for lumbar nerve root issues? chronic back pain, mild numbness bilateral leg pain, walking pain saddle anesthesia, bladder dysfunction unilateral leg pain, stiffness

Explanation:

Saddle anesthesia (loss of sensation in the groin/perineal area) and bladder dysfunction are red flag symptoms indicating possible cauda equina syndrome, a serious condition caused by compression of the lumbar nerve roots that requires immediate medical evaluation to prevent permanent nerve damage. The other options describe less urgent, chronic or common symptoms of lumbar nerve root issues that do not pose an immediate threat to nerve function.

Answer:

Saddle anesthesia, bladder dysfunction