What is the treatment for disc prolapse?

Question

Hello doctor,

My wife did MRI today. She is unable to walk, severe pain, and swelling in her back and both legs. It is showing:

Lumberization of S1 vertebrae.
Fatty degenerative endplate changes at S1 to S2 level.
S1 to S2 level shows moderate focal central and left paracentral extrusion compressing thecal sac and causing left neural foraminal stenosis with compression over left traversing S2 and existing S1 nerve root

What to do now? She is taking conservative treatment but is not affected. Please give me the best advice.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

Basically there is a disc prolapse causing compression of the S1 nerve root and is responsible for severe pain. Since you have not mentioned the duration, I consider it as a recent onset. Approximately 90 percent of patients, respond to medications and become fine in six weeks. Though the disc never goes back at least the pain subsides and if she keeps her lifestyle healthy, the pain may never recur. I am not sure if these medications will be available at your place, but I suggest one anti-inflammatory like Aceclofenac, one opioid analgesic like Tramadol and one neurotropic like Pregabalin. If the pain is very severe and does not respond to the above medications in one to two days, we can also give eight days of steroid course. I hope the above helps. Let me know if you have more questions.

I hope this information will help you.

Thanks.