My mother who is 64 yrs now has an issues. Her L4 and/or L5 has issues. They are dehydrated and a bit herniated as a result it is pressing some nerves leading to a lot of pain and change in posture. What should we do? She is hypertensive, diabetic and hypothyroidic.
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
From the information that you give looks like your mother has a herniated disc that is compressing the nerve.
Usually, the initial treatment should be nonoperative with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine and pain killers and physiotherapy once the pain is decreased.
Then the next step is Cortisone and Lidocaine injections in the spine to calm down the inflammation and shrink the hernia down. If after all these means of treatment you are still the same or worse than surgical treatment is indicated after the neurology has evaluated your reflexes motor and sensor status. Now a days the surgery for hernia is minimal invasive with small incision and you walk on the same day of surgery.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards, Dr. Edvin Selmani
I find this answer helpful
You found this answer helpful
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]
We use cookies in order to offer you most relevant experience and using this website you acknowledge that you have already read and understood our
Privacy Policy
What Is The Treatment For Back Pain?
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. From the information that you give looks like your mother has a herniated disc that is compressing the nerve. Usually, the initial treatment should be nonoperative with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine and pain killers and physiotherapy once the pain is decreased. Then the next step is Cortisone and Lidocaine injections in the spine to calm down the inflammation and shrink the hernia down. If after all these means of treatment you are still the same or worse than surgical treatment is indicated after the neurology has evaluated your reflexes motor and sensor status. Now a days the surgery for hernia is minimal invasive with small incision and you walk on the same day of surgery. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Edvin Selmani