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Suggest Treatment For Degenerative Changes In Spine

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Posted on Mon, 29 Sep 2014
Question: C4-C5
Moderate right paracentral disc-osteophyte ridge, contacting the anterior cord,
but without definite compression, No significant foraminal narrowing
C5-C6
Prominent Diffuse and left sided disc-osteophyte complex, producing moderate flattening of the anterior cervical cord,
and moderate central canal stenosis. Severe left -sided foraminal stenosis predominantly due to unconvertebral ridging,
Right-sided foramen is adequate. Mild Bilateral facet arthropathy.
C6-C7
Moderate focal kyphosis centred at C6
moderate osteophyte ridging but more diffuse rather than left sided, Moderate Central Canal stenosis with moderate
anterior cord flattening. Moderate to severe left-sided foraminal stenosis due to uncovertrebral ridging.
Right-sided exit foramen only minimally narrowed. Mild Bilateral Facet arthropathy.
L3-L4
Moderate Bilateral Facet arthropathy, but without significant canal or foraminal stenosis, benign haemangioma up to 5mm within L3
L4-L5
Severe proliferative bilateral facet arthropathy, worst on left with Ligamentum Flavum thickening.
broad-sided diffuse disc bulging this produces a moderate to severe central canal stenosis which deforms teh thecal sac,
and produces moderate stenosis of the lateral recesses. Mild left-sided foraminal narrowing due to dic extension,
right-sided foramen is adequate.moderate diffuse disc desiccation.unexplained and incompletely imaged bone marrow,
oedema surrounding right L4 transverse process An underlying cause not identified but this is probably benign.
L5-S1
small central and right paracentral disc bulge with annular fissuring, but without canal stenosis
Mild to moderate bilateral facet hypertrophy Moderate Disc height loss. Minor extension of disc material into the right
side exit foramen with potential for L5 nerve contact, but without displacement I had spine injections to facet joints and epidural space no results im doing flexion distraction treatments for past 19 months has help abit what else is my options im looking a answer Australian Hospital said only fusion but they are not willing to gi ahead as yet
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (33 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Details below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
You have degenerative changes in the spine at various levels that is causing the nerve root compression and back pain. The treatment you are getting is the conservative treatment and helps in symptomatic relief for short term only. In case the pain is unbearable and is persistent then surgical fusion is considered.
Rest and alteration of the lifestyle is the primary treatment. Medicines, improvisation of posture, steroid injections and physiotherapy help in further relief.
You can get some muscle relaxants prescribed for an earlier relief. Take rest until the acute pain subsides. Taking methylcobalamin supplements will also help.
Signs of worsening of symptoms are- pain causing disability, numbness, weakness, loss of urinary or bowel control.
In case such symptoms appear then an immediate surgery is needed.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (8 minutes later)
It has gotten worse over the years the injury first happened in 2001, I am in pain 24X7 I don't get relief, I have cramps in arms, legs, numbness, pins and needles, my hands and feet are sometimes very cold, I often get head aches sometimes I will vomit, I cant sit, stand or walk for long, I suffer some very bad cramps in legs and feet, it has started affecting my bowels ( caused by pressure I cant hold on), in May 2014 I had "attack" where I couldn't feel from waist down ( I mean I couldn't feel the ground), I cant sit at all massive pain from coccyx area to my head, I cant walk ( needed help by two people), the pelvis area felt it was jammed or stuck I couldn't urinate or empty by bowels whilst this was happening it lasted 72 hours...
in case of fusion, how many levels would it be, would it by via back or front? would they need to take away the facet joints
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Surgery needed.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
Since you are having severe symptoms surgery is the only option for you. Fusion at multiple levels may be needed. The preferred approach depends on your surgeon. Usually it is the posterior approach - from the back.
The facet joints are fixed. The spine mobility will be restricted but the nerves will be decompressed. Do consult a spine surgeon for proper treatment.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :1994

Answered : 12314 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Degenerative Changes In Spine

Brief Answer: Details below. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for posting your query. You have degenerative changes in the spine at various levels that is causing the nerve root compression and back pain. The treatment you are getting is the conservative treatment and helps in symptomatic relief for short term only. In case the pain is unbearable and is persistent then surgical fusion is considered. Rest and alteration of the lifestyle is the primary treatment. Medicines, improvisation of posture, steroid injections and physiotherapy help in further relief. You can get some muscle relaxants prescribed for an earlier relief. Take rest until the acute pain subsides. Taking methylcobalamin supplements will also help. Signs of worsening of symptoms are- pain causing disability, numbness, weakness, loss of urinary or bowel control. In case such symptoms appear then an immediate surgery is needed. I hope this answers your query. In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out. Wishing you good health. Regards. Dr. Praveen Tayal. For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal