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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Have Disc Herniations. Spinal Fusion An Option?

I have disc herniations of T1-2, T6-7, T7-8, T8-9, L3-4, and L4-5, along with other things. My PCP is sending me to a Neuro surgeon, but I m not sure when I will be able to get in there and I have some questions... Based on the info you have is spinal fusion an option? If it is would I lose much of my range of motion? What other alternatives are there that I might be a good candidate for?
posted on Sun, 10 Feb 2013
Twitter Mon, 11 Feb 2013 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 11 Feb 2013 Last reviewed on
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Neurologist,  's  Response
Hello,

Thanks for posting this query in HCM

I have noted your complaints

Please note that, if the bove described data are MRI findings you donot have to worry.

Based upon this findings it is difficult to tell you that you need spinal fusion or not

The most important thing is to note the clinical symptoms and then the clinical/neurological examination findings. I am very sorry but you have not provided us the exact clinical symptoms. If you have pain and symptoms are suggestive of nerve root compression which has not improved with conservative treatment, then only you should go for operative procedures . This may/may not involve spinal fusion. So you shoud not worry at all.



Please get evaluated initially by a neurophysician who will assess you and will let you know if surgery is mandatory in your case. If surgery is required you may proceed to see a neurosurgeon.



Hope this helps
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Neurologist,  Dr. Rakesh Garg's  Response
You have multilevel disc disease. Depending on your symptoms, surgery may be an option at a specific level or levels, but it would really depend on your symptoms. I doubt the surgeon would do a multilevel fusion form T1-L5, that would be a major surgery. Your other options are likely physical therapy, medical management of pain - including steroids, or NSAIDS, but like I said it depends on your symptoms


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Have Disc Herniations. Spinal Fusion An Option?

Hello, Thanks for posting this query in HCM I have noted your complaints Please note that, if the bove described data are MRI findings you donot have to worry. Based upon this findings it is difficult to tell you that you need spinal fusion or not The most important thing is to note the clinical symptoms and then the clinical/neurological examination findings. I am very sorry but you have not provided us the exact clinical symptoms. If you have pain and symptoms are suggestive of nerve root compression which has not improved with conservative treatment, then only you should go for operative procedures . This may/may not involve spinal fusion. So you shoud not worry at all. Please get evaluated initially by a neurophysician who will assess you and will let you know if surgery is mandatory in your case. If surgery is required you may proceed to see a neurosurgeon. Hope this helps