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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Have Bulging Disc, Leg Pain. Done MRI. Is Surgery Necessary?

My daughter is 20 yrs old and has a bulging disc. She has had this issue for a couple of years now and now the pain is shooting down her leg. Looking at her MRI she has equal amount of space between the discs, but you can see the one that is protruding out. Her orthopedic says her last option is surgery, which involves 4 screws and a rod. Is this actually necessary? Is there any alternatives for her, she is only 20. From what I understand after surgery her chances for the next disc to bulge is high.
Thu, 18 Jul 2013
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Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement,  's  Response
Hi, thanks for writing to HCM.

This is just to let you know that NOT ALL DISC PROTRUSIONS NEED SURGERY.

The initial management of disc disease is as follows -

* avoid lifting heavy weights
* avoid forward bending activities
* Use a lumbosacral back support
* Intermittent pelvic traction
* Maintain optimum body weight,if you are obese
* Physiotherapy to strengthen your back muscles. Physiotherapy has to be done only after the acute pain has subsided.
* Judicious use of analgesics and muscle relaxants.
* Use of Neurotropic vitamin supplementation especially Vit B12
* In some cases EPIDURAL STEROID injections will provide good relief

Majority of the patients respond well to the above line of management in the form of regression of symptoms.

Also, a single level disc prolapse can be dealt by decompression alone. Spinal fixation (rods & screws) is necessary only in cases of multiple level disc decompressions.

Hope this information is helpful. Good day
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Have Bulging Disc, Leg Pain. Done MRI. Is Surgery Necessary?

Hi, thanks for writing to HCM. This is just to let you know that NOT ALL DISC PROTRUSIONS NEED SURGERY. The initial management of disc disease is as follows - * avoid lifting heavy weights * avoid forward bending activities * Use a lumbosacral back support * Intermittent pelvic traction * Maintain optimum body weight,if you are obese * Physiotherapy to strengthen your back muscles. Physiotherapy has to be done only after the acute pain has subsided. * Judicious use of analgesics and muscle relaxants. * Use of Neurotropic vitamin supplementation especially Vit B12 * In some cases EPIDURAL STEROID injections will provide good relief Majority of the patients respond well to the above line of management in the form of regression of symptoms. Also, a single level disc prolapse can be dealt by decompression alone. Spinal fixation (rods & screws) is necessary only in cases of multiple level disc decompressions. Hope this information is helpful. Good day