How to treat stenosis and herniation for a better quality of life?
Patient: Dr. I had a epidural that led to paralysis of my right leg. A emergency laminectomy and decompression was performed the following day. There is little soft tissue between the L4/L5 and severe stenosis and herniation at the L5/S1. I m only 46 so nuro surgeons will not perform a disc replacement at my age. Use of my leg has returned over 6 moths of physical therapy. I am on percocet and baclofen to control spams and mask pain but neither bare overly effective. What other options may be available to me to return to a somewhat normal life? Doctor: Thank you for asking Healthcare majic.  My name is Dr Ehsan Ullah & I have gone through your query.  As the re-currence rate of disc prolapse is high,you need to take some general precautions in daily activities to avoid further distress.Well nice to know that your leg power are back so following lifestyle changes will help you:  1.Avoid heavy weight lifting  2.No more bike riding if you were riding before.  3.No stairs climbing  4.Apply lumbar coarset belt for three months.Pain killers,muscle relaxants and Gabapentin 150mg BD can be taken for few weeks and regular follow-up visits to neurosurgeon will be much helpful to you along with above mentioned precautions.Hope this may help you. Let me know if anything not clear. Thanks.