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Suggest Treatment For Disc Prolapse

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Posted on Fri, 13 Nov 2015
Question: I have had 2 bulging discs since 2002. They have bothered me on and off since then. In September 2014 the pain started up again and became so severe my doctor made an appointment for me to see a surgeon. This Sept. the pain disappeared. My question is if I do nothing will there be permanent damage? Also why does the pain come and go? It can last for years with pain and years without pain. What are your thoughts? XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (58 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
No permanent damage if there are no symptoms.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The increase in pain is suggestive of disc bulge that causes compression of the nerve root. The pain disappears because regular physiotherapy can decrease the bulge thus decreasing the nerve root compression. It can be due to an acute disc bulge also that corrects itself in few weeks.
If there are no symptoms than there cannot be any permanent damage to your discs or the nerves. You can consult a surgeon in case you have symptoms again.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL XXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (3 hours later)
The MRI report says L1 L2 has posterior bulging of the disc.L2L3 shows significant compromise of the subarachnoid space.The canal is moderate to severe stenotic in nature. L3L4 shows bilateral facet degenerative disease and facet hypertrophy. L4L5 shows an anterolisthesis on L4L5 .L5S1 shows degenerative disc disease. What can you tell me from this report?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Surgery is not needed now.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
All the changes in your report are suggestive of disc prolapse and other age related changes. Since there is no significant nerve root compression at any level, any surgery is not required immediately. You can continue with regular physiotherapy exercises to prevent further progression of these changes.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
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. Yogesh D
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :1994

Answered : 12315 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Disc Prolapse

Brief Answer: No permanent damage if there are no symptoms. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for posting your query. The increase in pain is suggestive of disc bulge that causes compression of the nerve root. The pain disappears because regular physiotherapy can decrease the bulge thus decreasing the nerve root compression. It can be due to an acute disc bulge also that corrects itself in few weeks. If there are no symptoms than there cannot be any permanent damage to your discs or the nerves. You can consult a surgeon in case you have symptoms again. I hope this answers your query. In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out. Wishing you good health. Regards. Dr. Praveen Tayal. For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL XXXX