lower back pain, pain in right leg

[smishra23]

Dear Doctor
I have been a pilot for last 19 years. Since last one year I had pain in my right leg, later on I started having stiff back then low back ache. The condition kept degrading since last four months. The sacralization of LV5 was diagnosed in 1986, however due to oversight they made me fit for flying duties even though their manual mentions this a reason for not selecting candidates for flying duties.

The significant MRI findings in Jan/Mar 08 are:- i) Unilateral partial sacralization of LV5 seen on the right side. ii) Diffuse bulge L4-5 with no narrowing of the canal and neural foramina.iii) DDDL4-5

In view of these findings, the medical authorities have made me permanently unfit for the pilot duties. Kindly advise me on:-
i) The nature of findings, implications on my health, future course of action.
ii) Whether my present condition has got aggravated due to prolonged flying duties? What would be the repercussions on my health if I continue flying?

[Suri123]

Hi smishra23, how are you doing? Hope you are feeling better and your low backache gets better. Yes, there are lot chances of your backache being aggravated due to attending your flying duties for long hours and the pain could be a radiating one to the right leg. I do suggest you to consult a orthopedic surgeon with all past medical documents, the MRI and any x- ray that you might have got done to get physically examined and to discuss the plan of care in better way. Share your thoughts and take care.

[tapasbhowmick]

I have been diagnosed with partial sacralization of LV5 . Exercise and medication are not yielding any result. Shall I go for surgery as my orthopaedic is recommending? Isn't there any other treatment available?