Dr. Solanki Chirag Natwarbhai
Neurosurgery
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
Answered by
Medically reviewed by
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Magnetic resonance imaging indicates degenerated discs between lumbar 4 and 5. I have pain that has been progressing rapidly over the last 2 to 3 months. In addition, I have scoliosis, where almost the entire curve starts in the same segment. That is, lumbar 4 is tilted may be 10 to 15 degrees compared to lumbar 5. What are my options?
Kindly help.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
Considering the whole clinical findings, I think there are only two options. The first and preferable option would be to do only discectomy with facet blocks, and the other is long segment fixation due to scoliosis. Short segment fixation may be more detrimental and may cause rapid adjacent segment changes.
I hope this has helped you. Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Do you believe a discectomy alone would be sufficient for long-term symptom remission? Do you think the symptoms are caused by the disk bulging into the spinal cord? By facet blocks, are you referring to facet joint injections? If so, would I need these continuously or only for recovery?
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
It might be difficult to conclude precisely without seeing you clinically and without looking at all the images of magnetic resonance imaging. But it seems that you may have predominant back pain that is more likely due to scoliosis and facet arthropathy secondary to that. If the radicular symptoms are there, then the disc would be the problem, in which case discectomy alone may help. Facet block and radiofrequency ablation can provide long-term benefits, provided there is no instability or progression of scoliotic arthropathy.
I hope this has helped you. Thank you.
Was this conversation helpful?
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Neurosurgery
Related Questions
MRI of the Postoperative Knee- Interpretations and Diagnostic Criteria
Spine MRI Scan - Risks, Benefits and Contraindications
Keyhole Spine Surgery - a Boon to Spine Health
Scoliosis - Types, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Can scoliosis get corrected through surgery?
Cough Headache - Types and Treatment.
Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy
