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How To Recover From Diffuse Disc Bulges, Thecal Sac And Mild Narrowing Of Neural Foramina?

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Posted on Fri, 12 Apr 2013
Question: I am suffering from the following disorders of spine - Collapse of D12 Vertebral body, diffuse disc bulges, thecal sac and mild narrowing of neural foramina. Please suggest how long it will take to recover from the same and the necessary precautions I need to take. The accident happened on 13th Feb 2013 and the MRI Report is of 7th March 2013. There has not been much improvement in the back pain since then. Please provide a detailed report of your study.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Krishna Kumar (48 minutes later)
Hello,
Thank you for sharing your problem.

I understand you have a vertebral body fracture at D12 due to an accident.

I have seen the MRI images and report and this fracture is stable and would most likely heal well with conservative treatment.


It would be better to get the bone density of your spine estimated by DEXA scan and treat underlying osteoporosis if any.
I hope you are on calcium and vitamin D supplementation currently.

The pain would come down usually by 6-12 weeks. Pain can come down with medicines and spinal brace. If the pain is very significant even after 6 weeks, one can go for vertebroplasty a procedure where the vertebral body is injected with bone cement as a day care procedure.
I hope I have clarified your question and please feel free to ask me any doubts.

Thank you.

Regards
Dr Krishna XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Krishna Kumar (39 minutes later)
Thank you for your reply. I have few questions as below:
1. I am on Calcium and Vitamin C supplementation. Should I go for Vitamin D supplementation as well ?
2. I have been using trailer spinal brace while walking and sitting for short durations. I have been also using air cushion tube while sitting. Can you tell me whether I should be walking or sitting as the pain gets increased if I do so for 15-30 min. Or I should be be on complete bed rest. It's been already 5 weeks.
3. Since I am diabetic, will that increase the healing time ?
4. Can I apply hot water in the affected areas ?
5. Is Vertebroplasty being done through operation and how much it normally costs?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Krishna Kumar (40 minutes later)
Welcome back,

I am attaching the answers with reference to your queries

1. Should I go for Vitamin D supplementation as well ? - Yes, you need vitamin D as well. Discuss with your treating doctor and get them prescribed.

2. I have been using trailer spinal brace while walking and sitting for short durations. I have been also using air cushion tube while sitting. Can you tell me whether I should be walking or sitting as the pain gets increased if I do so for 15-30 min. Or I should be be on complete bed rest. It's been already 5 weeks.

- Turning , walking and other activitiestc would worsen the pain as the fracture has not healed. So you need bed rest with walking just for toilet purpose

3. Since I am diabetic, will that increase the healing time ? No, diabetes may not influence healing process in this case.

4. Can I apply hot water in the affected areas ? - Yes, you can try that.

5. Is Vertebroplasty being done through operation and how much it normally costs?
It is a keyhole/pinhole surgery. It can be done under local anaesthesia or under general anaesthesia depending on patient's co-operation .It costs approximately Rs 15,000 to 20,000 INR.

Thanks once again.

Regards
Dr XXXXXXX
Spine Surgeon
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Krishna Kumar (3 hours later)
Thanks for your reply.

I just verified that the tablets which I were taking has Calcium and Vitamin D. If there is not much relief after 6 weeks, should I continue with this supplement, since the treating doctor here says that there is no need after 6 weeks. Please suggest.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Krishna Kumar (7 minutes later)
Hello,

You must continue with calcium and vitamin D as you have sustained the fracture for maintaining good amount of calcium and vitamin D in the bones for 3-6months

Thank you
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Krishna Kumar

Spine Surgeon

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 102 Questions

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How To Recover From Diffuse Disc Bulges, Thecal Sac And Mild Narrowing Of Neural Foramina?

Hello,
Thank you for sharing your problem.

I understand you have a vertebral body fracture at D12 due to an accident.

I have seen the MRI images and report and this fracture is stable and would most likely heal well with conservative treatment.


It would be better to get the bone density of your spine estimated by DEXA scan and treat underlying osteoporosis if any.
I hope you are on calcium and vitamin D supplementation currently.

The pain would come down usually by 6-12 weeks. Pain can come down with medicines and spinal brace. If the pain is very significant even after 6 weeks, one can go for vertebroplasty a procedure where the vertebral body is injected with bone cement as a day care procedure.
I hope I have clarified your question and please feel free to ask me any doubts.

Thank you.

Regards
Dr Krishna XXXXXXX