Hi,I am Dr. Shanthi.E (General & Family Physician). I will be looking into your question and guiding you through the process. Please write your question below.
My doctor wants to do a medical branch block to my lower back . X-RAYS showed I have degenerative narrowing at all discs throughout the lumbar spine, vacuum phenomena at the L4-L5 and L5-S1 disc. There is anterior spurring at multiple levels. I do not know what all this means and I m terrified they want to stick needles in my spine. What are the risks with this procedure and do I have other options to relieve the pain?
Hi, I had gone through your question and understand your concerns. These is suggesting degenerative changes of spine and it may be caused by disc hernia or by arthritis of vertebral body. In every case, it may cause specific symptoms such as pain in back, pain in legs and moving difficulties. Xrays is not so accurate so it would be good to do MRI scan. Also, treatemnt may be various and include medications, or more invasive procedures with needles and even surgery. It depends on how significant symptoms do you have. Needle sticks as you said are not risky but it may provide just temporary relief. Specific exercises or surgery may give better results.
Hope this answers your question. If you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.
Wishing you good health.
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What Does The Following X-ray Report Suggest?
Hi, I had gone through your question and understand your concerns. These is suggesting degenerative changes of spine and it may be caused by disc hernia or by arthritis of vertebral body. In every case, it may cause specific symptoms such as pain in back, pain in legs and moving difficulties. Xrays is not so accurate so it would be good to do MRI scan. Also, treatemnt may be various and include medications, or more invasive procedures with needles and even surgery. It depends on how significant symptoms do you have. Needle sticks as you said are not risky but it may provide just temporary relief. Specific exercises or surgery may give better results. Hope this answers your question. If you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions. Wishing you good health.