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Suggest Treatment For Degeneration Of The Disc

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Posted on Thu, 15 May 2014
Question: Hello Sir
My name is XXXX. And I would like to talk here about my mother’s disease.
Details of my mother:
Age: 45 Years
Height: 5 feet 7 inch
Weight: 75Kg (170lbs)
Disease: Lower Back Pain, Right Side Knee Pain Shoulder and Neck Pain.

About two years ago, she just fell down on the ground, but we didn’t notice that. Because that was just a simple accident. But now we think because of that she started feeling pain in her lower back ,which is being increased day by day.

At present, she feels pain in her lower back and she is not able to handle it. Whenever she sits somewhere like ground, chair, sofa or she walks up/down stairs, she feels pain in her lower back. She feels pain even when she sleeps. And in all these situations, she feels pain in her right knee as well. And whenever she turns her face in her right side, she feels pain in her shoulder and neck as well.
When she just simply walks, only then she doesn’t feel pain in her lower back or knee much.

About 3 months ago, she was around 80 Kg, but now she is on weight loss diet, so now her weight is 75 Kg. Her diet includes Vegetables, Fruits, Milk, Beans/Legumes etc.

We have consulted from few doctors. Everyone is saying different things:
One doctor says she must rest now for her whole life. She should not even walk.
Other doctor says there is no problem; just keep performing exercise, which is not hard for you. You’ll be alright.
Other doctor says she must perform surgery of her lower back. There is no other way to cure this thing.
Other doctor says she should inject a steroid injection, after that she can be alright.

So we are completely confused what to do what to don’t.

So please help us by giving us your valuable and experienced advice.
I have attached all the report of her related to her disease.
Which are following:
MRI of Lower Back (Jan. 2014)
MRI of Lower Back (Feb. 2013)
X-Ray of Lower Back
X-Ray of Both Knee Joint
Ultrasound Whole Abdomen Report
Hematology, Serum Uric Acid, RA Factor and CRP Report
Blood Biochemical Analysis Report

As I am not able to upload all reports on healthcaremagic.com, so I uploaded all reports to this website, please check it out: imgur.com/a/OpAKI
Or if you can see reports attached to my profile, then please do it.

And yeah one more thing, from last 3 months she is performing some exercises in the morning for lower back pain relief. But she didn’t get any relief at all. I have attached a pic, in which all exercises are mentioned which she performs.
And in evening, she goes for evening walk also for half an hour for losing weight.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (11 hours later)
Brief Answer:
My reply is below.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for posting your query.

I have noted the details of your mother, including the reports as well as the conflicting opinion of various doctors. I can understand your confusion.

First, I would like to tell you about her problems:

1. There is degeneration of the disc (soft tissue between the bones) at lower back, and there is bulging of two discs there. Those discs are pressing the nerves, causing low back and leg pain.

2. She also has arthritis of both knees, causing pain in knees.

Now, the treatment part:

1. Surgery is not required for either of the problems now. However, if the severity increases, it may be needed later.

2. Physiotherapy is good for her, including the back and knee exercises. In addition, IFT, ultrasound and traction can also help, as per the physiotherapist advice.

3. Steroid injections in the back is reserved for more severe pain and provides temporary relief for 3-6 months.

4. Physical activity is permitted. However, she should avoid lifting heavy objects, bending forwards and squatting on the floor.

I hope my reply has helped you.

I would be pleased to answer, if you have any follow up queries or if you require any further information.
     
Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad,
For DIRECT QUERY to me: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar
My blog: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.com/

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Sudhir Kumar (9 hours later)
Thank you so much sir for your answer. My family is in relief now because of your answer. Thanks again.

And yeah, I forgot to tell one more thing; just before a week, my mother is feeling a small lump in her neck (I have attached a pic for this). This lump can be noticed only when she forward her head. And we think because of this, she is experiencing headache and sleep disorder. Do we think right???
Is it just a normal thing or we should be worried about this?

And I would like to be confirmed that according to you, my mother can perform exercises suggested by physiotherapist. Which can heal this disease, and we don't need to do any other thing like medication, injection,surgery etc.
And if yes, can you please let us know, how much time it will take approximately to heal this disease? (It can be very motivating thing for us)

And just want to know last thing, is there any big change in her previous MRI and latest MRI?

Sincerely and respectfully, thank you so much again sir.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (7 hours later)
Brief Answer:
My reply is below.

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for getting back and providing more information.

1. This "lump" is normal and there is no need to worry about that. It is just soft tissue and fat there.

2. Yes, she can perform the exercises as suggested by the physiotherapist.

3. If there is back or leg pain, not responding to physiotherapy, then, medications such as pregabalin or gabapentin may be used.

4. Injection and surgery are not needed at this stage.

5. It takes about 6-12 weeks to heal.

6. There is no change between the two MRIs.

It is my pleasure if my reply has helped you.

Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Sudhir Kumar (11 hours later)
Thank you so much sir for guiding us. We really can't tell you how much happy we are right now just because of you.

Keep helping people like this, sir. Thanks
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Thank you.

Detailed Answer:
Thank you and best wishes,

Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Sudhir Kumar

Neurologist

Practicing since :1994

Answered : 6232 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Degeneration Of The Disc

Brief Answer: My reply is below. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thank you for posting your query. I have noted the details of your mother, including the reports as well as the conflicting opinion of various doctors. I can understand your confusion. First, I would like to tell you about her problems: 1. There is degeneration of the disc (soft tissue between the bones) at lower back, and there is bulging of two discs there. Those discs are pressing the nerves, causing low back and leg pain. 2. She also has arthritis of both knees, causing pain in knees. Now, the treatment part: 1. Surgery is not required for either of the problems now. However, if the severity increases, it may be needed later. 2. Physiotherapy is good for her, including the back and knee exercises. In addition, IFT, ultrasound and traction can also help, as per the physiotherapist advice. 3. Steroid injections in the back is reserved for more severe pain and provides temporary relief for 3-6 months. 4. Physical activity is permitted. However, she should avoid lifting heavy objects, bending forwards and squatting on the floor. I hope my reply has helped you. I would be pleased to answer, if you have any follow up queries or if you require any further information. Best wishes, Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, For DIRECT QUERY to me: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar My blog: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.com/