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Suggest Treatment For Low Back Pain And Leg Numbness
Question: I have seen an orthopedic surgeon, a neurosurgeon and a pain management doctor for the following symptoms: low back pain, left leg numbness, difficulty getting up from a sitting or laying position, muscle spasms, leg twitches, and fatigue. I do not recall any injury and these symptoms have gradually increased over the last 2 years to the point that the pain is often intolerable. Over the last 6 months I have started having difficulty in knowing when I need to go to the restroom and usually only go a couple times a day even though I drink water or tea all day. When I do go, I am obviously very full, but I have to really concentrate to start and push to continue. Sometimes it is difficult to push enough to empty my bladder. I have had 2 lumbar MRI's, 1 left hip MRI, and 1 set of xrays of both my low back and my left hip. The neurosurgeon said my condition is not bad enough for surgery based on the MRI which showed mild degenerative changes, bulges throughout my low back and spinal stenosis. The pain management specialist did an injection at L5/SI and the nerve pain I was having in my left leg and foot has significantly decreased. I have been off work for 2 months due to the pain and still do not have any answers on what to do to stop these symptoms. I am at a loss at this point and need to find answers, but do not know where to turn for help.
Brief Answer:
Early lumbar spondylosis, check thyroid hormone
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for your query.
I'm Dr. Sudhir Kumar,
After going through your query I concluded that you are suffering from early lumbar spondylosis (degerative spine) changes.You are having difficulty in sitting fatigue,muscle spasms etc. These can be due to your hypothyroidism .So it is advisable to check thyroid status and if control is not there then dose adjustment can be done.Other cause can be deficiency of vitamin and trace elements specially Vitamin D3 and B-12.These should be checked. If these are low then these can be supplemented.In my opinion at present stage there is no indication for surgery.Treatment of degenerative spine can be of benefit.I empirically treat my such patients by:-
1.Diacerine -reduce cartilage damage.
2.Glucosamine sulfate-regenerate cartilage.
3.Mecobalamine-does not feel drunken like due to gabapentine.
4.Evion LC
5.Vitamin D3(if it is low)
5. Analgesic -already taking
You can discuss with your treating Doctor about it.
Hope I have answered your query.
If you have any further questions I will be happy to help.
Wishing you good health.
Take care.
Early lumbar spondylosis, check thyroid hormone
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for your query.
I'm Dr. Sudhir Kumar,
After going through your query I concluded that you are suffering from early lumbar spondylosis (degerative spine) changes.You are having difficulty in sitting fatigue,muscle spasms etc. These can be due to your hypothyroidism .So it is advisable to check thyroid status and if control is not there then dose adjustment can be done.Other cause can be deficiency of vitamin and trace elements specially Vitamin D3 and B-12.These should be checked. If these are low then these can be supplemented.In my opinion at present stage there is no indication for surgery.Treatment of degenerative spine can be of benefit.I empirically treat my such patients by:-
1.Diacerine -reduce cartilage damage.
2.Glucosamine sulfate-regenerate cartilage.
3.Mecobalamine-does not feel drunken like due to gabapentine.
4.Evion LC
5.Vitamin D3(if it is low)
5. Analgesic -already taking
You can discuss with your treating Doctor about it.
Hope I have answered your query.
If you have any further questions I will be happy to help.
Wishing you good health.
Take care.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
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