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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Mild Disc Protusions With Reversal Of Cervical Lordosis, Severe Spinal Stenosis At Lumbar Disc Protrusions, On Lortab. Suggestions ?

Hi there, I am 23, I have a 4mm disc protrusion at L4-L5, 6mm protrusion at l5-S1, mild disc protusions at t11-12 and c6-7 with reversal of cervical lordosis and severe central spinal stenosis at the lumbar disc protrusions. Currently I am taking 2 Lortab 10/500 every six hours for pain. Along with muscle relaxers, celebrex and otc advil. The lortab help but sometimes the pain is paralyzing. I feel like I need something to take when this happens. What would you recommend I do? I am afraid to tell my neurosurgeon because of my age. Should I just tell him?
posted on Mon, 29 Jul 2013
Twitter Tue, 30 Jul 2013 Answered on
Twitter Tue, 30 Jul 2013 Last reviewed on
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Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement,  's  Response
Hi, thanks for writing to HCM.

As per your description, you have LUMBAR DISC DISEASE with SEVERE CANAL STENOSIS.

You can try a trial of conservative management as follows -

* avoid lifting heavy weights
* avoid forward bending activities which will cause worsening of disc protrusion
* Use a lumbosacral back support
* Intermittent pelvic traction to cause regression of discs
* Maintain optimum body weight,if you are obese
* Physiotherapy to strengthen your back muscles. Physiotherapy has to be done only after the acute pain has subsided.
* Judicious use of analgesics and muscle relaxants.

If the above measures fail to provide symptom relief and if you have shooting pains down the leg or inability to walk for long distances, then you may need surgical decompression.

Approach your neurosurgeon and follow his advice.

Hope this information is helpful. Good day
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Mild Disc Protusions With Reversal Of Cervical Lordosis, Severe Spinal Stenosis At Lumbar Disc Protrusions, On Lortab. Suggestions ?

Hi, thanks for writing to HCM. As per your description, you have LUMBAR DISC DISEASE with SEVERE CANAL STENOSIS. You can try a trial of conservative management as follows - * avoid lifting heavy weights * avoid forward bending activities which will cause worsening of disc protrusion * Use a lumbosacral back support * Intermittent pelvic traction to cause regression of discs * Maintain optimum body weight,if you are obese * Physiotherapy to strengthen your back muscles. Physiotherapy has to be done only after the acute pain has subsided. * Judicious use of analgesics and muscle relaxants. If the above measures fail to provide symptom relief and if you have shooting pains down the leg or inability to walk for long distances, then you may need surgical decompression. Approach your neurosurgeon and follow his advice. Hope this information is helpful. Good day