disc replacment

[She371]

Please help!  I have had an mri and it showed I have a large c5/6 disc prolapsed centrally. The consultant now wants to operate as he said my reflexes when he hit the bottom of my feet are 'BRISK'. I am very frightened as he said there is a chance i could be paralysed if i have the operation.  I know there is a risk with any surgery but he didn't say what the statistics were of this or how well this operation works. Is there any other treatment other than the surgery and if i don't have it will I become paralysed in time anyway? I also have pain behind my knees all the time( and getting harder to walk up and down stairs) and the bottom of my feet(the balls) are sore. Could this be due to my disc problem. Can't get an appoint with the consultant till i go for the surgery. Many Thanks.

[Dr Vinod]

Hello!

Other than the brisk reflexes, what other signs and symptoms you have?
Do you have any problem with urination? Genital numbness? These would require immediate attention and surgery.

For knee and leg related symptoms there is a possibility of spinal segments effected below c5 and c6 also.

You would require the services of an experienced neurosurgeon and orthopedician for the disc prolapsed surgery. Take a second opinion and select the right time for the surgery.

Take care!

[She371]

Thank you for your answer. I have pain releif and had physio. Not solved the problem. What does the term Brisk reflexes mean and is this a sign that the disc is pushing on my spinal cord? Could the pains behind my knees and sore feet be caused by the c5/6 disc or is it more likely i have a problem in the lower spine discs? Many Thanks She 371

[Dr Vinod]

Hello!

I suggest you to have a second opinion and do not hasten.

Surgery should only be considered as a last resort after all forms of conservative treatment have been tried, that did not alleviate your pain and did not heal the disc herniation.

Surgery is indicated if you have significant neurological problems. The presence of cauda equina syndrome (in which there is incontinence, weakness and genital numbness) is considered a medical emergency requiring immediate attention and possibly surgical decompression.

You can try:
Bed rest and lumbo-sacral support belt.
Physical therapy
Massage therapy
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Oral steroids  
Epidural (cortisone) injection

Take care!