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My father is suffering from back pain
My father is suffering from back pain since last few days.
I have attached MRI report for the same.
It has been shown to dr and they said operation is required
Kindly suggest what to do?
Answers (6)
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Based on the MRI impression alone, it appears your father has multilevel lumbar degenerative changes, with the most significant problem at L4–L5, where there is disc herniation, ligament thickening, and nerve compression. He also has Grade I L4–L5 spondylolisthesis, which may contribute to spinal instability. These findings can certainly cause severe back pain and leg pain.
However, MRI findings alone are not enough to decide on surgery. The decision depends on his symptoms, neurological examination, walking capacity, muscle weakness, bowel/bladder symptoms, and whether he has improved with appropriate conservative treatment.
If he has progressive weakness, severe nerve compression symptoms, difficulty walking due to neurogenic claudication, or persistent disabling pain despite adequate conservative treatment, then surgery may indeed be the appropriate option.
Next Steps
Please consult an experienced Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon with the MRI and clinical examination findings. If surgery has been advised, it is reasonable to seek a second opinion before proceeding, especially in a 72-year-old patient, to confirm the indication and discuss the expected benefits and risks.
Health Tips
If he develops leg weakness, loss of bowel or bladder control, or numbness around the groin (saddle area), seek immediate medical attention as these require urgent evaluation. If you would like a more detailed opinion, please share his symptoms (whether the pain radiates to the legs, walking distance, numbness, weakness, and any bowel/bladder complaints), as these are crucial in deciding whether surgery is truly necessary.
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This shows multiple levels of diffuse disc bulges … as the patient is elderly you’ll have to consult the doctor for surgical fitness..
These should be addressed with discectomy , laminectomy and pedicle screw fixation ..
But for now you can try strengthening and nerve supplements wait for At least 4-6 weeks before deciding for surgery
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Can try conservative treatment with medications, rest and activity modifications followed by physiotherapy
If no improvement can plan surgery after 3 weeks
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Dr. Rakesh Kumar
Orthopedic surgeon
6 yrs exp
Coimbatore
Get personalised consultation done, get 2nd opinion from some one you would trust completely.
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Dr. Ravikumar Chandulal Makadia
Orthopedic surgeon
7 yrs exp
Ahmedabad
No operation at this age
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Dr. Rahul Kumar Pandey
Orthopedic surgeon
10 yrs exp
Lucknow
Medicine
Precautions
Activity modification
Diclofenac gel
Heat therapy
If no improvement after 3 weeks then go for surgery
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.