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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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MRI Shows Disc Herniation With Retrolisthesis. Spasms, Tingling, Weakness In Upper Extremities. Pain In Leg

I've had two failed back surgeries, and I'm fused at L3-4 thru S1. On a recent mri I have disc herniation at L2-3 with retrolisthesis. The mri also showed disc bulging at T10-11,11-12, 12-L1. The mri was of the lumbar spine. I also have a protrusion that can be felt in the mid thoracic area, with symptoms of spasms & tingling. I've also noted an extreme weakness in my upper extremities. My pain management provider suggested an epidural steroid injection, which was denied by workers comp, due to lack of documentation of syptoms, & suggested physical therapy. I'm willing to do that, but on the side of caution, as physical therapy resulted in having to have a second back surgery to fuse me at L3-4. The weights they had me lifting were to heavy, and after my complaints, I was told I should be able to lift that if I wanted to return to work. Shortly after I developed radiculopathy in both legs. I currently have pain that radiates down my left buttock,to the hip and down the left outer side of my leg. What are my options. I've done some research and read about therapy in conjunction with chiropractec care.
Wed, 30 Oct 2013
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Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement 's  Response
Hi, thanks for writing to HCM.

If the radicular symptoms in legs are not responding to conservative management, then the next option left for you is, Epidural steroid injections. If your symptoms fail to improve with epidural steroids also, then surgical decompression is indicated.

The conservative management of Lumbar disc disease is as follows -

- Avoid lifting heavy weights as it imparts more strain on your back
- Avoid excessive forward bending activities as it will worsen the disc protrusion. if you want to bend forwards, do it with your hips and knees flexed.
- Physiotherapy is needed to strengthen your back muscles. Physiotherapy has to be done only after the acute pain has subsided.
- Use analgesics like advil or aleve and muscle relaxants as needed. Vitamin B12 supplements & Pregabalin may be helpful.
- Use a lumbosacral back support to stabilize your spinal muscles
- Intermittent pelvic traction might be helpful to cause a regression of the protruded disc

Hope this information is helpful. Good day
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MRI Shows Disc Herniation With Retrolisthesis. Spasms, Tingling, Weakness In Upper Extremities. Pain In Leg

Hi, thanks for writing to HCM. If the radicular symptoms in legs are not responding to conservative management, then the next option left for you is, Epidural steroid injections. If your symptoms fail to improve with epidural steroids also, then surgical decompression is indicated. The conservative management of Lumbar disc disease is as follows - - Avoid lifting heavy weights as it imparts more strain on your back - Avoid excessive forward bending activities as it will worsen the disc protrusion. if you want to bend forwards, do it with your hips and knees flexed. - Physiotherapy is needed to strengthen your back muscles. Physiotherapy has to be done only after the acute pain has subsided. - Use analgesics like advil or aleve and muscle relaxants as needed. Vitamin B12 supplements & Pregabalin may be helpful. - Use a lumbosacral back support to stabilize your spinal muscles - Intermittent pelvic traction might be helpful to cause a regression of the protruded disc Hope this information is helpful. Good day