I get radiating back pain for the past few days with a history of fall. Please advise.

Question

Hello doctor,

Almost two years back, I had slipped and fallen on my back and had spent a few months suffering from back pain. There was not any bone crack or fracture, so I was prescribed only a belt for support. Subsequently, over the last few days, after a severe cough (which is now relieved), I have radiating pain up to thighs during the entire day and sometimes at night, affecting my sleep.

My recent MRI LS Spine report states the following:-

(1) Sacralization of L5 vertebra.

(2) Old partial collapse D12 vertebral body with fatty marrow replacement and mild posterior subluxation, indenting thecal sac causing effacement of ventral subarachnoid space. Spinal cord appears normal.

(3) Mild diffuse disc bulge at L-3-4 and L-4-5 levels, indenting thecal sac with no obvious nerve root compression.

I have started wearing a support belt on my shoulders again, but still, there is mild to severe pain throughout the day. I am not taking any pain relief medications as of now but only a few vitamins. I am also taking a few Ayurvedic medicines for my prediabetic stage.

Please advise, and if required, I can forward you the entire MRI report.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

What you do, and how much physical activity you have in your daily routine?

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Well, there are two things in your case responsible for your problem.

1. Osteoporosis- weakness of bones. Two years back, when you fell, there was a fracture of D12 vertebrae, which implies that your bones are weak, which is expected after menopause in females. So we need to treat it.

2. Nerve irritation. For that, first, we will try conservative management. Most people get relief with conservative management.

Both of these conditions need to be treated together. For osteoporosis, get a DEXA scan done. Start capsule Pregabalin 75mg at night daily. Walk daily for 45 minutes at a stretch.