Hello Darlemorg,

Thanks for the query.

Don't worry, there's a solution for everything. Your's is similar to the scenario with most of the patients with backache. There's no one i know who hasn't had backache in their lifetime.

Before jumping into the treatment aspect, i would like to know some more details.
- Is your hip and leg pain shooting from the back downwards?
- Do you have any weakness in the legs/ decreased sensation?
- Any bowel/bladder problem?
- Did you try bed rest/ back exercises?
- Is your pain relieved on bending forwards or does it aggravate on doing so?
- When did you check your Bone Mineral Density (a test for Osteoporosis)?

Get back to me with your answers and I will be available for your follow up queries.
If feasible, do send me all the recent investigations you've got to " YYYY@YYYY " with subject as "ATTN : Dr.Sangeet"

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Dear Darlemorg,

The cause of shooting pain is the prolapsed disc compressing on your nerve. Osteopenia adds to back pain.

You need to follow these before opting for surgery:

1. Ask your Family doc for nerve protective drugs (multivitamin) for 6-8 weeks.

2. Continue the XXXXXXX as rightly suggested by your hubby. Do it only when your back is pain-free. But you need to carry on for at least 6 weeks.

3. Visit a Geriatrician/ Endocrinologist for management of Osteoporosis. You will need bone protective drugs, Calcium and Vitamin D supplements.

4. When the pain is severe:
-get bed rest till the pain subsides and use a pillow under each knee.
-Use counter irritant creams/ spray and analgesics as prescribed.

5. You need to see a doctor as soon as possible if any of these occur:
-unbearable pain
-sudden weakness in your legs
-bowel/ bladder incontinence

6. Avoid lifting heavy weights. If you are lifting something, lift with your knees bent.

7. If comfortable, sleep with a pillow under your knees as this would prevent stretch on your nerves.

Kindly follow this regime strictly for a month and let me know the difference.

Wishing you good health. Smile, its just a backache and will resolve soon.

I will be available for your follow up queries.

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Hi again Darlemorg,

Thanks for writing back.

This regime works with chronic as well as acute backaches. Once your back muscles are strengthened, the pain should be considerably less.
The shooting pain should wane off following surgery, however I am not sure about the backache as it could be due to the disc/ osteopenia/ spinal instability.
Yes, you could try drugs containing Vitamin B12 and B6 preparation; it helps. You wont be crippled with pain, don't worry. Be patient and try the measures i asked you to.
I advise you to stick to one Neurosurgeon or spine surgeon instead of getting different opinions. Backache can be managed in a number of ways. Some go for the non operative line while some prefer otherwise. So, no one's wrong about their opinion; its only their experience that speaks.
If you get time, before or after surgery, I advise you to do some Yoga for the back. It will alleviate your trouble and calm your mind too. Try this only if there's a certified yoga trainer around.

Hope i have solved your query. Get back to me anytime with your follow up queries. I'll be available.

Thank you Darlemorg.

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