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Suggest Treatment For Back Pain With Arthritis
Last year, after X-rays and an MRI, I was diagnosed with a protruding disc between L-4 and L-5. I had a series of 3 injections of a steroid w epidural. I lived pain-free for about 8 months. I recently had the same series, ending Nov. 15, 2010, Today, I returned to my pain management spec., highly recommended by my PCP, because the pain, esp. when I stand has not been reduced, and learned that the arthritis in that same area has expanded. He gave me injections in 6 sites after palpating and locating points of severe pain to the left and right of the spine. If the injection next week does not improve the situation, he will not do the third treatment. I am a female, 68, and have endured decades of back pain that was treated occasionally by chiropractors. Short of surgery, what are my options in relieving pain? Judy
posted on
Thu, 13 Mar 2014
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sun, 26 Oct 2014
Answered on
Mon, 27 Oct 2014
Last reviewed on
Hello,
I have studied your case.
If your MRI spine shows disc bulge with nerve compression then surgery may help.
Due to compression of this nerve root there is tingling numbness in your leg and pain associated with it.
For these symptoms analgesic and neurotropic medication can be started.
Till time, avoid lifting weights, Sit with support to back. You can consult physiotherapist for help.
Physiotherapy like ultrasound and TENS therapy will help
.
I will advise to check your vit B12 and vit D3 level.
If nerve compression becomes severe later on then surgical decompression will give better relief.
Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries.
Wishing you good health.
Take care
I have studied your case.
If your MRI spine shows disc bulge with nerve compression then surgery may help.
Due to compression of this nerve root there is tingling numbness in your leg and pain associated with it.
For these symptoms analgesic and neurotropic medication can be started.
Till time, avoid lifting weights, Sit with support to back. You can consult physiotherapist for help.
Physiotherapy like ultrasound and TENS therapy will help
.
I will advise to check your vit B12 and vit D3 level.
If nerve compression becomes severe later on then surgical decompression will give better relief.
Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries.
Wishing you good health.
Take care
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