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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Do I Need To Go Through Surgery For Degraded Disc?

Hi I am a 45 year obese female that has suffered from lower back pain since I was in high school. In the last 4 years I have had severe siatic pain and cannot sleep at night and have numbess in left foot. I have gone to several different physical therapy sessions, chiropratic care and epidural injections. nothing has releived the pain some even made it worse. The doctors are now suggesting surgery for deg. disc and bone spurs. I am scared and want to know if I should really maybe wait. They are telling me I will be out of work for one week. is that realastic?
Mon, 6 Apr 2015
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Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement 's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for your query.
* It seems you are suffering from degenerative disc disease & it occurs due to repetitive overload or stress to the disc & it increases the risk of disc herniation &spinal canal stenosis.
The main treatment of such pain is bed rest along with pain killers and muscle relaxants. Muscle relaxants can help with your symptoms if used in appropriate dosage in combination with a potent analgesic.
You can get the appropriate drugs prescribed from your Orthopedician after examination.
Meanwhile you can follow these measures:
- If the pain is severe, you need bed rest till the pain resolves.
- Get some analgesics prescribed and apply analgesic spray or ointments.
- While resting, keep a pillow under your knees if it doesn't bother you.
- Avoid lifting heavy objects.
- Back strengthening exercises and stretching exercises daily as advised by a Physiotherapist.
- Avoid exercises in times of pain.
- Improvise your posture while sitting.
If you not get better with these, then you can go for surgery after consulting your doctor.
I do hope that you have found something helpful and I will be glad to answer any further query.
Take care
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Do I Need To Go Through Surgery For Degraded Disc?

Hi, Thanks for your query. * It seems you are suffering from degenerative disc disease & it occurs due to repetitive overload or stress to the disc & it increases the risk of disc herniation &spinal canal stenosis. The main treatment of such pain is bed rest along with pain killers and muscle relaxants. Muscle relaxants can help with your symptoms if used in appropriate dosage in combination with a potent analgesic. You can get the appropriate drugs prescribed from your Orthopedician after examination. Meanwhile you can follow these measures: - If the pain is severe, you need bed rest till the pain resolves. - Get some analgesics prescribed and apply analgesic spray or ointments. - While resting, keep a pillow under your knees if it doesn t bother you. - Avoid lifting heavy objects. - Back strengthening exercises and stretching exercises daily as advised by a Physiotherapist. - Avoid exercises in times of pain. - Improvise your posture while sitting. If you not get better with these, then you can go for surgery after consulting your doctor. I do hope that you have found something helpful and I will be glad to answer any further query. Take care