How to completely recover from lower back nerve compression?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am a 24-year-old student. When I was 17 years old, my lower back was injured while playing cricket. That time I was also a little depressed and was taking some tablets. After 15 days, I got typhoid, so I did not care much about the injury at that time. But since then, I have been feeling stiffness and numbness in my lower back.

Now, my problem has worsened. My MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) (that I have attached) shows that there is compression on the right side, in the L4-L5 region. And the right exiting S1 nerve is also compressed.

My bones have become weaker, and the L4-L5 interarticular joint is fractured. My weight is increasing, and I have always been more sensitive to colds. As of now, the right side of my neck and my right hand feel very weak. I do not have power in my body. I am taking Pregaba-M 75, twice a day, and Calcitriol weekly.

Earlier, I used to take calcium, but I stopped as my problem worsened after taking it. Can I recover from this? Somebody advised surgery, is it not risky? My pain is relieved by exercise but not cured. What should I do? And where should I consult for this? Due to this, I am not able to concentrate on my studies and am also very tense. Can this result in paralysis?

Please guide.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

From the images (attachment removed to protect patient identity) that you have provided, it is possible to see a fracture on the pars(the rod connecting the anterior part of the vertebra and the vertebral body to the posterior elements).

The flexion-extension x-ray does not show an inability, but still, the MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) report indicates an L5-S1disk herniation, which at your age could be an indirect sign of spinal instability. The back pain can also be a sign of spinal instability. Unfortunately, the MRI is quite old, so you should do another MRI and also a lumbar CT (Computed Tomography), as this excellently presents bone anatomy.

There is an extremely low risk of developing paralysis from this disease, but if there is spinal instability, surgery is indicated to relieve the pain. Risks of surgery at your age are quite low.

I hope this answers your query.

Thank you.