schmorl's nodes

[smiley778]

Terrible pain and general numbness in the front of my right leg. Starts in right buttock, comes around front and hurts from thigh to ankle. MRI shows schmorl's nodes. Is there anything I can do to numb the pain? This is going on since June 2010.
Smiley

[Dr Arora]

Hi, although back surgery is the best possible treatment but it is worth to try alternative techniques to control pain for a few months. As I told earlier, a chiropractor may help you with back exercises. NSAIDs and rest is the mainstay of care until the patient is able to resume normal activity. Bracing may be initiated for comfort if needed.
Physical therapy may help with persistent backaches. It should consist of extensor strengthening and flexibility and endurance training.
Prognosis is generally good. I hope this helps.

[smiley778]

My MRI impression states: Multilevel degenerative changes, most pronounced at L4-L5, where there is minimal grade 1 anterolisthesis, measuring approximately 2 mm, as well as left foraminal disc extrusion, measuring 5 mm AO, with 5 mm of cranial migration, combining to produce mild central canal stenosis, as well as severe left and moderate right neural foraminal narrowing.
Mild central canal stenosis at L5-S1, with severe right, and moderate left neural foraminal narrowing.
Mild central canal stenosis at L3-L4, with mild bilateral neural foraminal narrowing.

My primary Dr. indicates that I will need back surgery. I'm 70 and a type 1 diabetic since I'm 12. I have no desire to have surgery. Can my pain be managed with massage, yoga and accupuncture? I am very active and work through the pain.
Looking forward to your response.
Smiley778

[Dr Arora]

Hi, Schmorl’s nodes treatment generally consists simply of pain management. Through aggressive pain medications and morphine patches as well as therapeutic massages conducted by chiropractors are also useful. Some patients undergoing Schmorl’s nodes treatment need to wear a brace for a number of months and use an anti-inflammatory medication. If you think you may have Schmorl’s nodes see a chiropractor immediately. The back is a delicate structure and you can make your situation much worse if you let it go untreated.