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Suggest Treatment For Pain In The Back And Leg In An Elderly Person
Question: My mother is 82 and has pain in lower back that seems to be running around to groin and thigh of left leg. Doc gave steroid shot in back and something else that she could not remember. When she got in pool for water aerobics today she said it hurt bad just when she got in the water but eased off as she stayed but had to cut session short.
Brief Answer:
Consult an Orthopedic surgeon for specific management.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX XXXXXXX 4610,
Thanks for the query. I have read it & understood your concern.
From the symptoms your mother has & her age - it seems to be lumber spondylitis caused by bony weakness due the advanced age. Such condition results in nerve kinking or compression on the nerves supplying the affected part at spinal level/ lower down at hip or sciatic region.
The steroid injection in the back had a temporary control on the symptoms & as the effect had finished, the symptoms recurred as she entered the water pool, by causing irritation of the affected nerve endings.
* at this stage, she needs consultation of an Orthopedic surgeon for detailed physical examination & investigations to pin point the sight of compression . This can be followed by specific management.
* Depending on the sight & severity of her symptoms suitable treatment would be offered to relieve her of her pain. -
- repeat shot of steroid at back/oral anti inflammatory drugs like Ibuprophen.
- supplements of calcium or vitamin D,
- physiotherapy/ physical therapy,
- surgery may be needed in more severe symptoms.
* Personal care She should restrain from bending , fast & vigorous spinal movements ..to prevent further damage to the affected nerve. Obviously she should stop her water aerobics,
- Regular spinal exercises prescribed by a physiotherapist along with daily exercises like walking would suffice,
- taking regular supplements of calcium/ vitamin D as advised by doctor,
- positive psychology with mind concentration exercises would help.
I hope the answer was both useful & informative to you. Any follow up query is welcome.
Thanks.
Consult an Orthopedic surgeon for specific management.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX XXXXXXX 4610,
Thanks for the query. I have read it & understood your concern.
From the symptoms your mother has & her age - it seems to be lumber spondylitis caused by bony weakness due the advanced age. Such condition results in nerve kinking or compression on the nerves supplying the affected part at spinal level/ lower down at hip or sciatic region.
The steroid injection in the back had a temporary control on the symptoms & as the effect had finished, the symptoms recurred as she entered the water pool, by causing irritation of the affected nerve endings.
* at this stage, she needs consultation of an Orthopedic surgeon for detailed physical examination & investigations to pin point the sight of compression . This can be followed by specific management.
* Depending on the sight & severity of her symptoms suitable treatment would be offered to relieve her of her pain. -
- repeat shot of steroid at back/oral anti inflammatory drugs like Ibuprophen.
- supplements of calcium or vitamin D,
- physiotherapy/ physical therapy,
- surgery may be needed in more severe symptoms.
* Personal care She should restrain from bending , fast & vigorous spinal movements ..to prevent further damage to the affected nerve. Obviously she should stop her water aerobics,
- Regular spinal exercises prescribed by a physiotherapist along with daily exercises like walking would suffice,
- taking regular supplements of calcium/ vitamin D as advised by doctor,
- positive psychology with mind concentration exercises would help.
I hope the answer was both useful & informative to you. Any follow up query is welcome.
Thanks.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Answered by
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