Do not ignore your back pain
Dr Arvind Kulkarni
Despite the fact that back pain has become quite common nowadays, and even though not being a life or limb threatening problem, it completely agonizes one by depleting their complete quality of life. Similar was the case with Mrs Jayanti Tiwari from Madhya Pradesh, who with prompt diagnosis and successful surgery of her back, returned to a pain-free normal life.
She was entangled with severe back pain that gradually radiated to her lower limbs, making her life miserable. Living with pain for over three years she started experiencing numbness in her left foot and was having difficulty in walking more than 50 meters. Despite visiting many specialists in her hometown to seek prompt diagnosis of her pain, she continued to dwell with her pain that only aggravated.
After losing all the hopes and accepting the pain to be a part of her life, one of her neighbors who had undergone a successful spine surgery by Dr Arvind Kulkarni, recommended to consult him for her problems.
There were times when I had to spend a few days in bed after I did a lot of walking or even after I carried light shopping bags. Throughout the years, I had tried many treatments to alleviate my back pain, but none brought complete relief. “I just figured that I would have to live with this pain for the rest of my life,” Says Mrs. Tiwari
Mrs Tiwari, visited us with complaints of severe back pain that radiates to the legs and thorough investigations were done Using advanced imaging technology to confirm what we already suspected. She was diagnosed with L4-5 Spondylolisthesis with spinal stenosis. She was in severe agony and it just kept getting worse.
To help her get relief from her pain, she was recommended for a keyhole procedure to relieve the pressure on her spine. We recommended decompression and a stabilization-fusion procedure. The fusion is performed using the patient’s local bone, the highest quality titanium screws, rods and cages.
The procedure was done with the latest minimal invasive small incision technique (key-hole surgery) under the guidance of a microscope. After the procedure, she was taught strengthening exercises by physiotherapists to help regain her strength and range of motion. Within a week’s time, she was back home walking outdoors, and taking part in activities around the house.” Said Dr Arvind Kulkarni
Since her surgery, she has been able to return to her everyday activities and her favorite activities. My back pain and the numbness were gone right away. Ten days after my surgery, I was able to go shopping and lift light objects without any difficulty” I feel blessed to live in a time in history that has the technology to make me whole again and able to live and enjoy life!” she added
(The author is Head – Mumbai Spine Scoliosis and Disc Replacement Centre/ Bombay Hospital)
