Should I go for a surgery ? (MRI attached)

[Anubhav21Sharma]

I am Anil Sharma, Male, 48 years old. I have had an alcohol withdrawal seizure on February 4, 2010. During the seizure period I got my backbone fractured (collapsed). I was given high calcium dosage and painkillers for around 4 months. However, even though I have got some relief in pain, but my MRI report (on July 3,2010) still shows that I've got significant anterior wedge compression collapses of D12 and mild compression collapse of D4, D10 and D11. I still can walk and drive normally, but can't run, bend and can't even carry mild weights. I haven't been suggested any kind of physiotherapy by doctors.

It is worth mentioning that at the age of 11 my backbone was fractured but I didn't get any treatment for the same, and it automatically healed in around 3 or 4 months. However, I didn't have any problems with my back since that accident. In my opinion, the shape of my backbone might not be normal even before the seizure due to that accident.

Some doctors are suggesting a surgery for the collapse. Should I go for a surgery.?? Can the surgery worsen the condition..??

[Kalvin]

If I was you, I think I would try the wait and see approach, provided you're not currently in any danger.

You and your Doctor can come up with a reasonable time frame in which to re-access your condition, and then at that point, if there's no improvement, you might need to look at surgical alternatives.

It's always best to avoid spine surgery if at all possible.


Take Care

[Anubhav21Sharma]

Thanks for the reply Kalvin! Talking about the pain, I feel pain when I try to carry mild weights (like a pan full of milk) away from my body. Also I feel some pain (which is tolerable) when I try to bend or sometimes I feel my back has cramped. I don't feel any pain when I'm standing straight or lying straight on bed. I wasn't told to limit my activity, but I was warned about carrying weights or making sudden movements. To tell you the truth, my doctor, for some reason, I believe, isn't taking my case seriously. I am not sure whether to believe his advices or not. That's why I'm asking for second opinions.

Some doctors are suggesting me a surgery and some are saying that I should wait to see whether it heals by physiotherapy or not and some are suggesting a vertebroplasty?? Would you suggest a surgery or vertebroplasty in my case?

[Kalvin]

Fortunately, you have no cord compression or myelopathy at D12, but this could change. How much pain are you experiencing? Were you told to limit your activity? You need to get several opinions before making a decision on this.


Take Care