Question

Chapter 3 Discussion Questions 23 23 Ed just had his 65th birthday. He has been diagnosed with a bone spur on his spine compressing part of the sciatic nerve. His pain radiates from his lower back into his hips, buttocks,and legs. He finds it difficult to walk very far. Ed refuses any treatment that even mentions the possibility of surgery. In his words,-I'll never go under the knife. Using your book and any other necessary resources, answer the following questions: 1. What complementary therapies might be suggested? 2. What chances of recovery does complementary therapy provide? 3. What chances of recovery does surgery provide?

Answer 1

Bone spurs are indicative of bone degeneration. They are tiny outgrowths from the bone which may impinge on surrounding structures.

In Ed's case, the sciatic nerve is being compressed.

1. Surgery is the radical treatment here. But since Ed is denying surgery, he can be given conservative treatment such as NSAIDs or asked to reduce his activity level. He should be advised to take rest. Nerve blocks and epidurals can be given in severe cases.
2. Complementary therapy just provides symptomatic treatment. It will not cause the remission of the condition.
3. Surgical option (Microscopic Lumbar discectomy ) has an overall fair success rate of around 85%.