Hear Dr. Sengupta present the structure and function of the spine, and conditions like lumbar disc herniation (often called "sciatica"), lumbar stenosis and claudication pain, and lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis. The discs act as a cushion for the spine and if they start to push on the nerves it causes pain. Sciatica is a symptom, not the disease (pain goes down the leg) -- the diagnosis might be something different. More than 80% of patients do get better on their own no matter what treatment you have, or no treatment at all. Pain medication is the first line of treatment along with exercises and activity modification. Never stay in bed or remain inactive and learn the right way to lift and carry things. Not all exercises are appropriate in the beginning; you may need help from a professional to find the right way to do an exercise. After you've tried those options, surgery may be the next best choice --a discectomy. Dr. Sengupta provides satisfaction data up to four years out from patients who had surgery versus those who did not. Spinal stenosis or degenerative disc disease is when there is not enough space between vertebrae. As you bend forward you open up space for the nerves. Most patients age 60 or over often have this problem but may not be experiencing any symptoms -- don't jump to an MRI too soon. Keep active, do exercises, use a cane if you need to. Also try acupuncture, massage, physical therapy or see a chiropractor. It is important to get going -- keep doing household activities, plus exercises. Swimming can be particularly helpful. If nothing else is working, surgery is the answer -- a laminectomy. In this procedure, a bone is taken out, leaving the nerves uncovered (which is perfectly safe). Dr. Sengupta also provides four and ten year data for patients who had surgery versus those who did not. With spondylolisthesis one bone slips on top of another. The pain can be chronic or acute; as you move it hurts. Nicotine does cause this issue so plan to quit as an early measure. The important messages overall are that just because you feel pain, it doesn't mean you are causing harm. Keep active and don't simply lay in bed. Surgery is a risk and can be controversial -- it isn't always the right choice.
Learn more at: bit.ly/dh-osteo
Негізгі бет Osteoarthritis of the spine, Dilip Sengupta, MD
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