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Suggest Treatment For Disc Bulge And Synovial Cyst
Question: I have a question for L4-L5 mild disc height loss. Mild generalized disc bulge and uncovering of the disc. Severe bilateral facet arthrosis and ligamentum flavum thickending. Synovial cyst that protrudes into the epidural space from the leeft facet measuring 6.9.12mm. Moderate right and severe left subarticular recess narrowing secondary to ligamentum flavum thickening and the synovival cyst
Will the above symptoms cause back spasms in my back?
Will the above symptoms cause back spasms in my back?
Brief Answer:
Yes it could cause spasms in your back.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
I replied to your last query and I am pleased to see that you have chosen this site again for your health related issues.
Regarding your specific questions, yes, muscle spasms are a common finding in degenerative spinal disease. This is a new symptom I suppose as I don't recall you mentioning it the other time, I am sorry about that.
In that case apart from the recommendations made the last time on physical therapy and pain killers I would suggest adding a muscle relaxant like cyclobenzaprine or tiocolchicoside for 1-2 weeks, they should help in relieving your muscle spasms. Also heat application has a moderate beneficial effect.
I remain at your disposal in case you have more questions.
Yes it could cause spasms in your back.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
I replied to your last query and I am pleased to see that you have chosen this site again for your health related issues.
Regarding your specific questions, yes, muscle spasms are a common finding in degenerative spinal disease. This is a new symptom I suppose as I don't recall you mentioning it the other time, I am sorry about that.
In that case apart from the recommendations made the last time on physical therapy and pain killers I would suggest adding a muscle relaxant like cyclobenzaprine or tiocolchicoside for 1-2 weeks, they should help in relieving your muscle spasms. Also heat application has a moderate beneficial effect.
I remain at your disposal in case you have more questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I am being referred to a neurosurgeon who specializes in spine issues. Is there anything I should be sure to ask and what would you ask
Brief Answer:
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
Questions to be asked are:
-Judging by the location of the synovial cyst in relation to your nerve roots, does he believe its effect to be solely responsible for your symptoms or are they related more to the diffuse degenerative changes (if the answer is the latter then surgery will address only part of your symptoms).
-If he suggests surgery, does he suggest it as a last measure after conservative management is tried and for how long, or does he considering the narrowing from the combined effect of the ligament and the cyst to need surgery right away (generally conservative treatment is tried in most cases).
-If surgery is needed does it involve removing the disc and fusing the two vertebrae with each other a technique used to increase stability but which limits mobility. Would surgery be through traditional open technique or possibly through minimally invasive surgical techniques through an endoscope. They are both highly effective and followed by a speedy recovery but the second has naturally less trauma and blood loss and can minimize the need for a fusion.
These are the questions I would have asked, I hope I am making sense to you as I suppose at times a doctor and a patient have different viewing angles.
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
Questions to be asked are:
-Judging by the location of the synovial cyst in relation to your nerve roots, does he believe its effect to be solely responsible for your symptoms or are they related more to the diffuse degenerative changes (if the answer is the latter then surgery will address only part of your symptoms).
-If he suggests surgery, does he suggest it as a last measure after conservative management is tried and for how long, or does he considering the narrowing from the combined effect of the ligament and the cyst to need surgery right away (generally conservative treatment is tried in most cases).
-If surgery is needed does it involve removing the disc and fusing the two vertebrae with each other a technique used to increase stability but which limits mobility. Would surgery be through traditional open technique or possibly through minimally invasive surgical techniques through an endoscope. They are both highly effective and followed by a speedy recovery but the second has naturally less trauma and blood loss and can minimize the need for a fusion.
These are the questions I would have asked, I hope I am making sense to you as I suppose at times a doctor and a patient have different viewing angles.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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