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Is Surgery The Best Treatment For Degenerative Spondylosis?

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Posted on Wed, 11 Mar 2015
Question: Hi I wish to know if I need surgery for my back complaints and if so what needs to be done I have uploaded my scan results on my profile thankyou
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (56 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Please upload the reports again.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
There are no scan reports received with this query. Please upload the reports again so that I can give you an informed opinion.
Medicines are the first line treatment in case of disc prolapse along with physiotherapy. If the patient responds well with medicines then physiotherapy helps in preventing further progression of the problem. Surgery is kept as a last resort to improve the quality of life of the patient.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (3 days later)
Hi doctor I have added result of scan done! I have been told by the hospital that surgery is needed but that they don't have the technology to fix it!! I find this hard to believe. I still have very bad lower back pain, and when I walk pain on both sides at top of my legs! the lyrica is helping to keep a lot of the pain away but after nearly a year of not been able to do things I need to do and 25 yrs of managing my back problem- to now a very diminished level of life. I find I am very frustrated with the physiotherapist I am under. He has me in a "plan of his" and wont take an mri or anything other than this scan I had done. to check why after all this time I still have bad nerve pains etc.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Surgery not needed now.

Detailed Answer:
As per your attached report, You have degenerative spondylosis & disc disease in lumbar spine.
It occurs due to repetitive overload or stress to the disc & it increases the risk of disc herniation & spinal canal stenosis.
For this condition you have to do stretching & strengthening exercises in which you have to stretch tight muscle & strengthen weakened ones which will alleviate stress on facet joint and disc.
- Maintain optimum body weight,if you are obese
- Avoid lifting heavy weights as it imparts more strain on your back
- Change your daily activities so that you avoid movements that can cause further pain, especially bending forward and lifting as it will worsen the disc protrusion. if you want to bend forwards, do it with your hips and knees flexed.
- Use a lumbosacral back support to stabilize your spinal muscles
- Intermittent pelvic traction might be helpful to cause a regression of the protruded disc
- After the initial pain has subsided, remedial exercises to strengthen the spine are very important to restore normal spinal movements and muscle strength. The main aim of exercise is to encourage mobility, reduce muscle spasm, prevent further deterioration in the muscles and speed recovery.
- Use analgesics like advil or aleve and muscle relaxants to relieve pain and muscle spasm, as needed. Vitamin B12 supplements & Pregabalin may be helpful in controlling the neuropathic pain.
You can consult a neurophysician and a physiotherapist for proper treatment. Surgery is not immediately needed. Medical treatment can help you.
Regards.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :1994

Answered : 12314 Questions

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Is Surgery The Best Treatment For Degenerative Spondylosis?

Brief Answer: Please upload the reports again. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for posting your query. There are no scan reports received with this query. Please upload the reports again so that I can give you an informed opinion. Medicines are the first line treatment in case of disc prolapse along with physiotherapy. If the patient responds well with medicines then physiotherapy helps in preventing further progression of the problem. Surgery is kept as a last resort to improve the quality of life of the patient. In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out. Wishing you good health. Regards. Dr. Praveen Tayal. For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal