Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Having Lower Back Pain. MRI Scan Done. What Treatment Should I Do?
Question: I am having lower back pain and pain going down in left leg from 8 years.I cannot bend forward or lift weight more than 3 kgs.I had an M.R.I Scan and the result is as follows-
L5-S1 intervertebral disc shows diffuse posterior bulge with posterocentral and left paracentral extrusion showing mild cadual migration compressing theleft traversing nerve roots.Mild indentation of right traversing and bilateral exiting nerve root is also noted at same level with resultant thecal sac area of 100 sq.mm.diffuse posterior bulge indenting l4-l5 level.Mild ligamentum flavum hyperthropy noted at same level.....what should I do to permanently come out of such problem and back pain,I dont want to go for a surgery,.
L5-S1 intervertebral disc shows diffuse posterior bulge with posterocentral and left paracentral extrusion showing mild cadual migration compressing theleft traversing nerve roots.Mild indentation of right traversing and bilateral exiting nerve root is also noted at same level with resultant thecal sac area of 100 sq.mm.diffuse posterior bulge indenting l4-l5 level.Mild ligamentum flavum hyperthropy noted at same level.....what should I do to permanently come out of such problem and back pain,I dont want to go for a surgery,.
Hi,
Your problem is related to disc prolapse.
The problem is quite progressed as apparent by the MRI changes you have described.
A spinal surgeon must be consulted soon bacause any sudden jerk or missed move may result in cord compression and may result in paraplegia- that is complete loss of function of the lower limbs and may be incontinence also.
I do not believe that anything less than a surgery can help you bring out of this problem permanently.
Rather you are at risk to loose the lower limb function permanently.
I would request you to refrain from treaments offered by untrained people with great promises- you are very young, so do not get in to new trouble through quacks.
I hope this advise would be helpful.
Your problem is related to disc prolapse.
The problem is quite progressed as apparent by the MRI changes you have described.
A spinal surgeon must be consulted soon bacause any sudden jerk or missed move may result in cord compression and may result in paraplegia- that is complete loss of function of the lower limbs and may be incontinence also.
I do not believe that anything less than a surgery can help you bring out of this problem permanently.
Rather you are at risk to loose the lower limb function permanently.
I would request you to refrain from treaments offered by untrained people with great promises- you are very young, so do not get in to new trouble through quacks.
I hope this advise would be helpful.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I went to a spinal surgeon with the M.R.I report.He recommended some stretching exercises ,asked me to walk in a swimming pool and loose some weight as I am very overweight,he said that you may avoid surgery by this for a long time.My weight is 92 kg and my height is 5 foot 10 inches.Will loosing weight and exercises and water aerobic exercises won't cure my problem?
Dear,
A 92 kg weight is very heavy load to be borne by your weak spine,
I missed to ask you this point but this is very important point in your physical examination that is why I always like my patients to be reviewed by their local doctors if possible.
Yes, your surgeon is right, if you can cut down 20% weight from here it would help re-align the orientation of Center of Mass.
Avoid vigorous jerky swimming, take training of smooth sinuous swimming.
I think there is some hope but be watchful of any increase in local pain and creeping in weakness.
I wish a great XXXXXXX for you.
A 92 kg weight is very heavy load to be borne by your weak spine,
I missed to ask you this point but this is very important point in your physical examination that is why I always like my patients to be reviewed by their local doctors if possible.
Yes, your surgeon is right, if you can cut down 20% weight from here it would help re-align the orientation of Center of Mass.
Avoid vigorous jerky swimming, take training of smooth sinuous swimming.
I think there is some hope but be watchful of any increase in local pain and creeping in weakness.
I wish a great XXXXXXX for you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thankyou very much sir,
I have some doubts if you can clear them it would be great help
1)in my case what is better hot compress or cold compress of my lower back?
2)is massage of my back helpful in disc bulge or should be avoided?
3)any other helpful tips to keep disc bulge under check or cure it?
3) by proper exercises and reducing my weight can i lead a healthy life for long time?as i need to plan for my future and family also,I am little confused regarding it..I mean in this case can i avoid surgery or these cases ultimately lead to big problems..I always maintain my posture,exercise regularly,eat very healthy food,avoid lifting weight,bending forward,running in any case...my pain is not very severe and does not occurs all time,but i am not able to sit/stand in one position for long time..so is it that severe? as your first answer disturbed me very immensely emotionally and mentally..looking forward for your answer..
I have some doubts if you can clear them it would be great help
1)in my case what is better hot compress or cold compress of my lower back?
2)is massage of my back helpful in disc bulge or should be avoided?
3)any other helpful tips to keep disc bulge under check or cure it?
3) by proper exercises and reducing my weight can i lead a healthy life for long time?as i need to plan for my future and family also,I am little confused regarding it..I mean in this case can i avoid surgery or these cases ultimately lead to big problems..I always maintain my posture,exercise regularly,eat very healthy food,avoid lifting weight,bending forward,running in any case...my pain is not very severe and does not occurs all time,but i am not able to sit/stand in one position for long time..so is it that severe? as your first answer disturbed me very immensely emotionally and mentally..looking forward for your answer..
Hi,
I must say that hot/cold and massage things can work in some patients with muscle injuries but your problem is different- it is of nerve and disc so avoid that sort of treatments.
Weight reduction and back muscle exercises can work as I have already told you.
You would get to know in coming 3-4 months how much benefit you would get through these supportive methods.
If you have problems then get the spine stabilised by a good spinal surgeon, personally I feel a surgical stabilisation gives a more surety in such cases, and if required should be done early rather than being too late.
I did not intend to disturb you but in difficult situation saying the truth is better rather than talking sweet to sound like a good boy.
I hope that clears your doubts.
I must say that hot/cold and massage things can work in some patients with muscle injuries but your problem is different- it is of nerve and disc so avoid that sort of treatments.
Weight reduction and back muscle exercises can work as I have already told you.
You would get to know in coming 3-4 months how much benefit you would get through these supportive methods.
If you have problems then get the spine stabilised by a good spinal surgeon, personally I feel a surgical stabilisation gives a more surety in such cases, and if required should be done early rather than being too late.
I did not intend to disturb you but in difficult situation saying the truth is better rather than talking sweet to sound like a good boy.
I hope that clears your doubts.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
