Have Had Spinal Scan. What Are The Diagnosis And Treatment Apart From Surgery?

Posted on Mon, 16 Sep 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 16 Sep 2013 Answered on

Thu, 10 Oct 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been diagnosed with the following: At the L4-5 , there is annular disc bulge with central protrusion and bilateral ligamentum flavum hypertrophy and bilateral facet degenerative changes causing thecal sac compression with bilateral lateral recess stenosis and bilateral neural foraminal stenosis. Thecal sac measures 7mm in its anterior posterior dimension. At the L5-S1 level there is annular disc bulge with central disc protussion causing thecal sac compression with bilateral lateral recess stenosis and bilatwera; neural foraminal stenosis.

I am a 69 year old male. What alternatives do I have other than possible surgery?

Answered by Dr. Rahul D Chaudhari (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
spinal injection is an option

Detailed Answer:
You have lumbar canal stenosis with nerve compression. How bad is the problem clinically? How is your walking ability? Any restriction? Any numbness in legs? ! Any weakness?
Other than surgery, I think caudal block means spine injection and aggressive physical therapy after pain relief may ba an option. I would suggest to get back with above information and treatment taken till now. Thanks.

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

Follow up: Dr. Rahul D Chaudhari (1 hour later)

My sciata nerve is beginning to be affected causing me numbness doen my right leg. Pain at the bottom of my spine.

Answered by Dr. Rahul D Chaudhari (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
please consider caudal block

Detailed Answer:
I think caudal block with physical therapy will definitely improve your situation. Please consult a pain physician. Thanks.

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