I Have Lower Back Pain (L4, L5) With Weakness But

Posted on Sat, 13 Oct 2018

Question: I have lower back pain (L4, L5) with weakness but little to no pain in the legs. The doctor took X-rays and discovered deterioration in three discs. The slight leg pain runs down the length of the outside of both legs. I had 0ne cortisone shot on 23 July 2018 with a prescription of Robaxin. I'm seriously considering physical therapy. I do not wish to have another shot because it softens the bones in my spine. Advice is needed.

Answered by Dr. Dr.Arnab (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
physical therapy will be beneficial for you...

Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome to 'Ask A Doctor' service...
I've gone through your query in details...
I can understand your concern...

Actually, the steroid shots work as reducing the swelling while the Robaxin relaxes the affected back muscles, which is why you seemed to feel those softening feeling (they're not recommended unless extremely painful or pressure symptoms). From your description, it seems like a minor intravertebral disc protrusion at the L4L5 level.

At this outset, I'd recommend the following:

-A few additional investigations (namely Calcium, Magnesium, Vit-B12, Vit-D3 levels), if found deficient, further supplementation needs to be started which will not only strengthen the bones but also help reducing other symptoms also

-Wear a Lumber support belt, and sit with your back strengthened all the time...

-Yes, Physical therapy certainly constitutes a big role here...With proper daily sessions of physical therapy under supervision, symptoms will certainly reduce over a period of time

So, yes, please discuss this with your doctor and proceed further...

You seemed have attached some budget sheets here...

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take Care
Kind Regards

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee