L5-S1 disc herniation

[madhurjya]

Dear Forum,

I am 45 year old man with back injury back in 1995. Since then I have low-back pain consistently on and off. However, since last three weeks, I have pain originating from my back radiates down to the legs, shoulder blades, biceps, and arms. I have been advised to do MRI and have been diagnosed with L5-S1 disc herniation with the following points :

1. Osteophytosis, disc dessication, Schmorl's nodes, type-II end plate changes with end plate irregularities.

2. Disc height reduction, posteriror annular tear, disc protrusion at L1-L2 and disc extrusion at L5-S1 level causing varying degres of thecal sac indentation and neural foraminal narrowing resulting in compressive impingement upon the left S1 traversing nerve root

My orthopedic suggested that if I take complete bed rest, I can avoid surgery and I am on a conservative therapy since last 10 days and in complete bed rest. I have been given dial medication (Etodolec two times a day, Methycobal 1500 mcg, and Paracetamol) and advised complete rest. However, since last three days, I am experiencing muscle weakness in my legs and arms and today the weakness is severe in legs so much so that I have difficult in climbing down or up stairs. Though my pain in the legs have improved!

My bladder control is fine and having no tingling or numbness. What should be my course of action. Should I continue with the conservative approach or look out for serious consulation leading to surgery.

Kindly advise me as I am getting very depressed.

[jamie48917]

A related discussion, bulging disc was started.

[Abhijeet Ghosh]

Dear Madhurjya,
The pain medications are fine, except that it lacks muscle relaxants.Also since you have been advised a complete bed rest , as a treatment,you are bound to get muscle weakness as bed rest causes these sorts of manifestations in a previously active person.The basic indications of surgery are-
1) Severe radiating pain
2) Bladder manifestation
3) Neurological deficits (Muscle power weakness/numbness)
4) All other methods of medical management has failed.
Except this, we don't opt for surgery.
I will also not advice you surgery presently.Just continue the rest but some basic activities,which doesn't involve lifting weights,climbing stairs,etc.
And i would suggest you to start basic muscle relaxants.
Regards..