Q. My mom has disc problem. Should we go for surgery or physiotherapy?
Hello doctor,
My mother, aged 41, has been suffering from back pain, hip pain which became leg pain and foot numbness for almost three months now. She went to an orthopedician and had an MRI of the lumbar spine, which revealed a problem in the L5-S1 disc. I would really appreciate if you can assist me. Should we go for surgery or physiotherapy? Which will be effective in her case?
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I have reviewed your question and your attached MRI reports (attachment removed to protect patient identity). As the MRI report stated, there is a disc bulge at L5-S1 causing the numbness and leg pain. Has your mom been to a chiropractor before? What was your orthopedic surgeon's recommendation for care? As a chiropractor, I would always recommend trying a conservative form of treatment first before electing for surgery. A lot of patients have relief from disc bulge symptoms after they visit a chiropractor, but it may take several adjustments. I have had several patients who were told they would need back surgery and end up not needing it. As long as your mother is not experiencing any trouble with her bowel and bladder function (this is important because this is a medical emergency), I would recommend chiropractic care first. Back surgery success is statistically only 50 out of 50. In fact, there is a syndrome called failed back surgery syndrome as failed back surgery syndrome as it may lead to so many issues. I recommend that you see a local chiropractor for a proper examination. I believe they will support a trial of care to determine if they can help with her symptoms.
Was this answer helpful?
|Same symptoms doesn’t mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Related Questions:
Understanding Low Back Pain
.. commonly found in young and school going individuals these days unlike it was believed as a disease of old age. So this is a small article giving a basic understanding of low back pain in the young hard working generation . Read full
Why does my leg pain even after walking short distances?.. many causes of leg pain. The most common is degenerative lumbar disc disease with radiculopathy due to compression of nerve root especially if the pain is only on one leg. The other causes are vitamin D and B deficiency especially if the pain is on b Read full
Will physiotherapy help to treat Erb's palsy?.. for providing the brief history of your daughter. I am sorry firstly to hear that your daughter is being diagnosed with Erb's palsy. Well, I would suggest you to continue physiotherapy for atleast three days a week as it will be of good help for her. Read full
Also Read Answers From:
iCliniq's FREE Newsletters
Expert-backed health and wellness information, delivered to your email.
Thank you for subscribing to our Newsletters!
Also Read
Improving the Health and Wellbeing of People Living With Neglected Tropical Diseases
Neglected tropical diseases can be efficiently treated with various cross-sectoral public health interventions to improve people's well-being. Read to know more. Read more»
Holi Colors - Are They Safe?
Holi is known as the festival of colors. But are the colors worth playing with? Let us find out. Read more»
Methods to Increase Breast Milk Production
Several measures can help mothers in increasing their breast milk production. Find out the correct way to breastfeed through this article. Read more»
Ask your health query to a Wellness Expert online?
Ask a Chiropractor Now* guaranteed answer within 4 hours.