What Are The Disadvantages Of The Surgery For Pinched Nerve?

Posted on Thu, 23 Jun 2016

Question: risk and rewards for treating a pinched nerve(bettween 4th and 5th lumbar) by nuerosurgeon doing microsurgery or a neurologist/pain dr. doing steroid injection?

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
See Below!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.

I am so sorry to hear about this pinched nerve. Surgery, when successful offers a one time solution whereas injections are repetitive and must continue indefinitely. However, when injections fail, you would need surgery. The general approach is to go with injections and only consider surgery as last resort as this remains an option even when doing regular injections.

I hope this helps. I wish you well. Feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be. Above all, thanks for using our services.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (6 hours later)

what are any side effects or risks from getting the injections

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Side effects of steroids....

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

These are limited to side effects of steroids which include weight gain and fluid retention. This can cause thinning of the skin and easy bleeding tendency. Also, it will cause you to be lighter in complexion. Then, this can also fail and not always provide the required results in which case surgery is very much needed.

I wish you well. Keep me posted with your decisions.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar