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Suggest Treatment For Scoliosis, Chronic Lower Back And Sciatic Pain
Question: I am a 67yr old female and found out at the age of 44 that I had scoliosis and have had chronic lower back and sciatic pain for the past 20 years. I have been informed by different doctors that surgery could help the pain, make it worse or have no change.
Should I just continue on as I am, I do use a walker now when I have to walk any distance, and pain meds daily.
Thank you!
Should I just continue on as I am, I do use a walker now when I have to walk any distance, and pain meds daily.
Thank you!
Brief Answer:
Cause of sciatica necessary to identify, if surgery will be helpful.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:
1. Yes, surgery could help with the pain usually.
2. If there is no neural damage and if scoliosis is not progressive and cause for sciatica can be controlled, pain could reduce.
3. Possibility of worsening pain is low. It could be no change or if the nerve pressure is relieved, it could improve.
4. However, before going for surgery,
a. The exact cause of sciatica is necessary. The location of nerve compression is necessary. If the cause and exact location is not identified, surgery wont be helpful. There are numerous conditions, which can present with symptom of sciatica, so identification of exact cause is necessary.
b. Electrophysiological testing of the nerve to identify the amount of damage.
c. Present fitness to under any major surgery.
Pain meds are necessary for management at present. However, if the exact cause (eg: intervertebral disc compression, lumbar or sacral root compression), if not identified, surgery won't be helpful.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, here to help again.
Cause of sciatica necessary to identify, if surgery will be helpful.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:
1. Yes, surgery could help with the pain usually.
2. If there is no neural damage and if scoliosis is not progressive and cause for sciatica can be controlled, pain could reduce.
3. Possibility of worsening pain is low. It could be no change or if the nerve pressure is relieved, it could improve.
4. However, before going for surgery,
a. The exact cause of sciatica is necessary. The location of nerve compression is necessary. If the cause and exact location is not identified, surgery wont be helpful. There are numerous conditions, which can present with symptom of sciatica, so identification of exact cause is necessary.
b. Electrophysiological testing of the nerve to identify the amount of damage.
c. Present fitness to under any major surgery.
Pain meds are necessary for management at present. However, if the exact cause (eg: intervertebral disc compression, lumbar or sacral root compression), if not identified, surgery won't be helpful.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, here to help again.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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