related to spine

[sekhar1966]

my mri scan report says..1. "central herination of L5-S1 disc with a.bilateral neural foraminal stenosis with bilateral L5 nerve root compression.....can you please tell me in a laymans language what it means.....and is a surgery required immediately and are there any alternative therapies available......thanks and regards.

[sekhar1966]

thank you so much Dr.Kaul.....its very knd of you for giving me some knowledge about my problem as i was unable to know the technical terms....my ortopaedician has asked me to be on medication for 20days and has asked me to change my life style....like....not bending front wards....not to lift heavy things.....avoiding stair cases (not more then 2 storeyes)....the indian style toilet and very importantly not to sit in one position fora longer period of time......he also said surgery was not required immediately....but i have to be very careful with my life style.....and another thing i would like to ask you personally, maam is there any alternative therapy for this problem of mine....like a friend suggested me to go for ayurvedic treatment which he has undergone and has certain relief....can you please suggest....thank you so much.....regards

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

This means that the inter-vertebral disc (between the two vertebrae L5/S1) has protruded outside its normal position (herniation); causing narrowing (stenosis) the spaces (foraminae) that carry the nerve roots and causing pressure on the corresponding nerves, on either side (bilateral).
              Management at this time would depend on the severity/ grade of the herniation and severity of nerve compression (as suggested in the detailed MRI report). For mild-moderate cases conservative management may be tried while surgery may be required for moderate/ severe cases. You may like to discuss this in detail with your treating orthopedician/ neurologist.
Hope this is helpful

Take care!