Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
MRI Of Spine Done. Surgery Recommended. Options Other Than Surgery? Consequences Of Delaying Surgery?
Sir.
I underwent MRI of my spine as advised by my Doctor.Report says Secondry Lumber Canal Stenosis. My doctor has advised me to undergo surgery.At present I am doing some spine strenghtenig execersises as advised by physiotherapist along with medicines as prescribed by doctor to strenghten muscles around spine which has given me some relief.. I can walk upto one KM without any difficulty. But walking beyond one KM couses numbness and burnig sensation also pain in my legs.Also if i keep standing or sitting more than 15 to 20 minutes there is pain in my legs and back.
Kindly advise me ,as to how i can avoid surgery by any other treatment? What will be consecuaces of delaying or not undergoing surgery?
I underwent MRI of my spine as advised by my Doctor.Report says Secondry Lumber Canal Stenosis. My doctor has advised me to undergo surgery.At present I am doing some spine strenghtenig execersises as advised by physiotherapist along with medicines as prescribed by doctor to strenghten muscles around spine which has given me some relief.. I can walk upto one KM without any difficulty. But walking beyond one KM couses numbness and burnig sensation also pain in my legs.Also if i keep standing or sitting more than 15 to 20 minutes there is pain in my legs and back.
Kindly advise me ,as to how i can avoid surgery by any other treatment? What will be consecuaces of delaying or not undergoing surgery?
Mon, 26 Aug 2013
Hi, thanks for writing to HCM.
The initial management of Lumbar spinal stenosis is by conservative methods -
* Medicines to relieve pain and inflammation, such as acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
* Exercise, to maintain or achieve overall good health. Aerobic exercise-especially riding a stationary bicycle (which allows you to lean forward)-can relieve symptoms.
* Weight loss is necessary to relieve symptoms and slow the progression of stenosis.
* Physical therapy in the form of stretching and strengthening exercises that may lead to a decrease in pain and other symptoms.
If the above measures fail to improve your symptoms, then an Epidural steroid injection may be of help. Remember, all these forms of conservative management will not address your spinal stenosis but only help in providing relief of symptoms.
The definitive treatment is always Surgical decompression and is the last resort in management of spinal stenosis which yields excellent long lasting results.
Hope this information is helpful. Good day
The initial management of Lumbar spinal stenosis is by conservative methods -
* Medicines to relieve pain and inflammation, such as acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
* Exercise, to maintain or achieve overall good health. Aerobic exercise-especially riding a stationary bicycle (which allows you to lean forward)-can relieve symptoms.
* Weight loss is necessary to relieve symptoms and slow the progression of stenosis.
* Physical therapy in the form of stretching and strengthening exercises that may lead to a decrease in pain and other symptoms.
If the above measures fail to improve your symptoms, then an Epidural steroid injection may be of help. Remember, all these forms of conservative management will not address your spinal stenosis but only help in providing relief of symptoms.
The definitive treatment is always Surgical decompression and is the last resort in management of spinal stenosis which yields excellent long lasting results.
Hope this information is helpful. Good day
I find this answer helpful
Hi
Thank you for your question.
Lumbar canal stenosis means the space in vertebrae where nerves are located is narrowed. This happens due to intervertebral disc degeneration and arthritic changes in the spine leading to pinching of nerves. Symptoms of this are initially controlled by medications like gabapentin or pregabalin and physiotherapy. Next option that can be tried is epidural steroid injections in the spine which offer relief for some time.
Decision for surgery depends on your symptoms rather than MRI picture. If you have obtained some relief of symptoms you can safely delay surgery for a few months and see how you feel. If the symptoms get worse surgery will be the best treatment.
Wish you the best.
Thank you for your question.
Lumbar canal stenosis means the space in vertebrae where nerves are located is narrowed. This happens due to intervertebral disc degeneration and arthritic changes in the spine leading to pinching of nerves. Symptoms of this are initially controlled by medications like gabapentin or pregabalin and physiotherapy. Next option that can be tried is epidural steroid injections in the spine which offer relief for some time.
Decision for surgery depends on your symptoms rather than MRI picture. If you have obtained some relief of symptoms you can safely delay surgery for a few months and see how you feel. If the symptoms get worse surgery will be the best treatment.
Wish you the best.
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Gabapentin
Loading Online Doctors....