Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Surgical And Non-surgical Procedures To Treat Spinal Stenosis Symptoms
Question: I am a 63 yo man who has degenerative joint disease of the spine, spinal stenosis bulging disks and radiculopathies of L12345 S1 resulting in tightness and discomfort in the right leg from the buttock down through the posterior of the RLE as well as muscle weakness and some atrophy ( especially at the gastrocs-- I can't do toe raises at all with the RLE unlike my RLE and I am walking with a limp. I can
do full plantar flexion and dorsiflexion with full resistance in my Rt ankle in a sitting and supine position; but I have no strength at all when I attempt a toe raise in standing , ie weight bearing.) this concerns me greatly and I'm wondering whether this will become permanent or whether less invasive endoscopic spine surgery can alleviate this problem. I'd appreciate your opinion .
how should my spinal symptoms be treated--surgically or non surgically; I'm currently seeing a chiropractor. Also, I'm taking gabapentin for LE pain. Should I be concerned about short term and long term side effects eg cognitive deficits or weifgt gain etc?
do full plantar flexion and dorsiflexion with full resistance in my Rt ankle in a sitting and supine position; but I have no strength at all when I attempt a toe raise in standing , ie weight bearing.) this concerns me greatly and I'm wondering whether this will become permanent or whether less invasive endoscopic spine surgery can alleviate this problem. I'd appreciate your opinion .
how should my spinal symptoms be treated--surgically or non surgically; I'm currently seeing a chiropractor. Also, I'm taking gabapentin for LE pain. Should I be concerned about short term and long term side effects eg cognitive deficits or weifgt gain etc?
Brief Answer:
Surgical decompression is necessary
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for trusting HCM
The muscle weakness and pain you are experiencing is due to spinal nerve compression due to degenerative joint disease and herniated disc. If the nerve compression is not resolved, the muscle weakness will progress and become permanent.
Surgical decompression of nerves is the best treatment which can relieve pain and weakness. Endoscopic laminectomy and discectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that relieves nerve compression.
Meanwhile, continue gabapentin. You can also take Advil 60 0 mg 4 times daily to relieve pain and inflammation. You can also alternate heat and ice therapy on area of pain.
Physical therapy after surgery is also important to restore muscle strength.
Please be advised to follow up with your orthopedician for necessary management.
Hope this answers your question
Please let me know if you need further clarifications
Regards
Dr.Lekshmi
Surgical decompression is necessary
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for trusting HCM
The muscle weakness and pain you are experiencing is due to spinal nerve compression due to degenerative joint disease and herniated disc. If the nerve compression is not resolved, the muscle weakness will progress and become permanent.
Surgical decompression of nerves is the best treatment which can relieve pain and weakness. Endoscopic laminectomy and discectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that relieves nerve compression.
Meanwhile, continue gabapentin. You can also take Advil 60 0 mg 4 times daily to relieve pain and inflammation. You can also alternate heat and ice therapy on area of pain.
Physical therapy after surgery is also important to restore muscle strength.
Please be advised to follow up with your orthopedician for necessary management.
Hope this answers your question
Please let me know if you need further clarifications
Regards
Dr.Lekshmi
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
