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What Causes Sudden Spine Pain While Getting Up?
Question: Hi ,
couple of days back I sat down and got up suddenly and immediately I felt pain in my backbone.
after MRI scan doctor said that disc between L3 and L4 is ruptured and this is putting pressure on nervous system . and advised me to get operated.
I am looking for a second opinion . please find attached me reports .
let me know what you think
couple of days back I sat down and got up suddenly and immediately I felt pain in my backbone.
after MRI scan doctor said that disc between L3 and L4 is ruptured and this is putting pressure on nervous system . and advised me to get operated.
I am looking for a second opinion . please find attached me reports .
let me know what you think
Brief Answer:
You can consult a neurosurgeon and request medical management for trial
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.
1. From the MRI lumbar spine it is known that the intervertebral disc at level L 3 L 4 is extruded and this is causing severe L 4 nerve root compression on the left side. There is thecal sac compression which means that the extruded disc is causing external pressure on the covering of the spinal cord.
2. The above finding with the presence of severe intolerable pain might require surgical decompression of the L 3 L 4 region. The pressure on the L 4 nerve root on left side is to be released.
3. It is difficult to know the amount of pain you are having and there is painful restriction of movement. I guess that you want to avoid surgery and are seeking a second opinion. In this regard you can take neurogenic pain relievers after consulting a neurosurgeon. Also please avoid heavy physical activity and apply muscle relaxant ointment for your back muscle spasm. I guess you can continue doing light work and daily activities. Depending on your clinical condition, you can choose to take medicine after consulting neurosurgeon for few months and if required do physiotherapy. If there is significant pain and restriction of movement even after 6 months after taking medicines and precautions, then you can decide to get surgery.
Please note that my opinion is based on experience with other patient MRI scans that I have seen and a neurosurgical evaluation is important along with the images of your scan.
Hope your query is answered.
Please write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
You can consult a neurosurgeon and request medical management for trial
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.
1. From the MRI lumbar spine it is known that the intervertebral disc at level L 3 L 4 is extruded and this is causing severe L 4 nerve root compression on the left side. There is thecal sac compression which means that the extruded disc is causing external pressure on the covering of the spinal cord.
2. The above finding with the presence of severe intolerable pain might require surgical decompression of the L 3 L 4 region. The pressure on the L 4 nerve root on left side is to be released.
3. It is difficult to know the amount of pain you are having and there is painful restriction of movement. I guess that you want to avoid surgery and are seeking a second opinion. In this regard you can take neurogenic pain relievers after consulting a neurosurgeon. Also please avoid heavy physical activity and apply muscle relaxant ointment for your back muscle spasm. I guess you can continue doing light work and daily activities. Depending on your clinical condition, you can choose to take medicine after consulting neurosurgeon for few months and if required do physiotherapy. If there is significant pain and restriction of movement even after 6 months after taking medicines and precautions, then you can decide to get surgery.
Please note that my opinion is based on experience with other patient MRI scans that I have seen and a neurosurgical evaluation is important along with the images of your scan.
Hope your query is answered.
Please write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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