Resolved question:
Hello,
I was hoping to get a consultation from a neurosurgeon or an orthopedic surgeon.
I was diagnosed with herniated disc in my lower back via MRI. My Xray was negative and blood work was normal. I was in a severe pain (sciatica) for about a week. I was not able to walk due to sharp pain. The pain extended from my buttock on the right side down to my lower leg on the same side. I don't have any numbness. In the past i've also had minor pain in the hip on the same side on and off for about two years after a very minor fall.
It has been two weeks now and it the pain has gotten better during the day time and I do not feel the severe pain anymore when walking, but it continues to hurt severely in the middle of the night. I would like to know if this worsening of pain at night is typical for sciatica pain from a herniated disc or could it be a sign of something else going on. I prefer to wait it out, before taking any more drastic measures, such as pain management or a surgery, but I am concerned that maybe something else is wrong. I am a female, 66 years old.
Thank you in advance.
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
Neurosurgeon
Hello, Thank you for your consult at DoctorSpring.com.
I am sorry to hear about your herniated disc pain. I understand that you were diagnosed to have herniated disc as per the MRI some time back. I presume that a neuro/orthopedician has examined you and critically studied the MRI and should have advised you the treatment, probably non-surgical management.
The severe pain which you had earlier has definitely reduced as per your statement. But you have not mentioned about the treatment received by you. Anyways in my patients if the symptoms have reduced in 2 weeks time then I usually prefer them to be on the same line of treatment for 2 more week before changing or altering the treatment. You night pain also should come down by the same treatment. If this is not happening in the next 2-3 week then you will have to consult and be reviewed by your treating surgeon to check for numbness or weakness or to change the line of treatment; pain management or physical therapy.
I would have been in a better position to answer your query if you had given details or your previous treatment and attached the report of the MRI. You could reply with the same in follow-up.
Hope this helps, please feel free to discuss further.
With regards,
Dr Goutham Cugati
Consultant Neurosurgeon