Brief Answer:
Initial management is by conservative means.
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for writing to XXXXXXX
The initial method of management for
Lumbar disc disease with
radiculopathy is always by conservative (nonsurgical) methods, which is as follows -
- Usually 1-2 days of bed rest will calm
severe back pain. Do not stay off your feet for longer, though.
- Maintain optimum body weight,if you are obese
- Avoid lifting heavy weights as it imparts more strain on your back
- Change your daily activities so that you avoid movements that can cause further pain, especially bending forward and lifting as it will worsen the
disc protrusion. if you want to bend forwards, do it with your hips and knees flexed.
- Use a lumbosacral back support to stabilize your spinal muscles
- Intermittent pelvic traction might be helpful to cause a regression of the protruded disc
- After the initial pain has subsided, remedial exercises to strengthen the spine are very important to restore normal spinal movements and muscle strength. The main aim of exercise is to encourage mobility, reduce muscle spasm, prevent further deterioration in the muscles and speed recovery.
- Use analgesics like advil or aleve and muscle relaxants to relieve pain and muscle spasm, as needed.
Vitamin B12 supplements &
Pregabalin may be helpful in controlling the
neuropathic pain.
If your fail to improve with the above measures, an Epidural steroid injection may provide good symptom relief for a few months. There is good evidence that epidural injections can be successful in 60-70% of patients who have not been helped by 6 weeks or more of conservative management.
If all these measures fail to provide significant pain relief, then surgical decompression may be an option.
Hope I have addressed your query. Happy to help further
Regards
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon.
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