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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Have Lower Back Pain. Cannot Sit For Long Hours. Did MRI. Seen Disc Degeneration. Cure For Symptoms?

Hello sir i"ve been facing lower back pain since last 5 years during my college days.initially i was told that it was due to sacralization of L5 and S1.in d last february/2013 i did attend a pain clinic.the pain got relief.but i feel very irritating to sit for long hours.today i did a new MRI of L/s.The report told like disc degeneration with left postolateral prolapse and associated posterior annular tear at L4 and L5 causing ventral thecal sac and bilateral neural foraminal narrowing and exiting nerve root indentation.consultant doctor suggested me for micro surgery.i am only 28 years old and just started my job life.i want other convenient way to get relif other than surgery as i am still normal nd can walk nd run
Mon, 20 May 2013
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi and thanks for the query,
The appropriately of treatment especially when it comes to degenerative lesions of the back are dependent on the type of disease, symptoms, degree of degeneration and prognosis or estimated outcome. In this case, it is almost known that depending on non surgical techniques might end up not only failing to improve the symptoms, but decreases the possible possible effects that could be obtained from surgery.
I understand you are only 38. Surgery will certainly increase your quality of life, rather than staying and waiting for the condition to aggravate and the surgery is done in a complicated phase, or maybe e as an emergency due to some complications. I would love an erythrocyte sedimentation rate to be done and not to forget to exclude spinal TB in this case which generally and commonly affects the lower spine.
Thanks and best regards,
Luchuo, MD.
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General & Family Physician Dr. Nirmala P's  Response
Hi.
Thanks for asking in Healthcare Magic.

Pain due to disc degeneration and prolapse is long standing and the drugs can only give symptomatic relief and cannot offer a permanent solution as they cannot cure the condition.

Normally, the nucleosus pulposes, the central portion of the disc, is held firmly by annulus that supports the nucleus pulposes. Annular tear compromises this. The resulting disc prolapse compresses the nerve roots causing severe pain. If the tear is due to trauma, the chances of healing is more. But, in your case it is due to degeneration and so it may need a corrective surgery.

The drugs used in neuropathic pain like SSRI, tricyclic anti depressants and oxycodone (opioid analgesic) will result in numerous side effects in the long run. Physiotherapy may help to a certain extent.

But since the pain is bearable you can delay the surgery. But please take a second opinion with a neurosurgeon whether you can postpone the surgery and the risks involved.

I hope this is useful.
I find this answer helpful

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
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Have Lower Back Pain. Cannot Sit For Long Hours. Did MRI. Seen Disc Degeneration. Cure For Symptoms?

Hi and thanks for the query, The appropriately of treatment especially when it comes to degenerative lesions of the back are dependent on the type of disease, symptoms, degree of degeneration and prognosis or estimated outcome. In this case, it is almost known that depending on non surgical techniques might end up not only failing to improve the symptoms, but decreases the possible possible effects that could be obtained from surgery. I understand you are only 38. Surgery will certainly increase your quality of life, rather than staying and waiting for the condition to aggravate and the surgery is done in a complicated phase, or maybe e as an emergency due to some complications. I would love an erythrocyte sedimentation rate to be done and not to forget to exclude spinal TB in this case which generally and commonly affects the lower spine. Thanks and best regards, Luchuo, MD.