spine tb
My 14-year-old daughter was medically treated for tuberculosis of the spine five years ago. However, for the past two years she has been developing a deformity on the back. She also has difficulty in walking. What’s wrong with her?
Your daughter may be developing late-onset paralysis. It is caused by a mechanical pressure on the spinal cord due to an increasing deformity. Such a deformity is caused by an abnormal growth of the spine after the treatment of spine TB in children. She requires clinical examination, x-ray and MRI of spine to know the extent of paralysis and status of the spinal cord. She may require removal of pressure by surgery, and the deformity should be corrected using screws and cylinders.
chronic back pain
I am a 38-year-old computer-user suffering from back pain. It’s more severe when I work, but goes away when I lie down. I have tried all sorts of treatment, but there is no sign of any respite. Last week an MRI of the back revealed degeneration of the disc between the fifth lumbar (lower back) and the first sacral (hip) bone of the spine. What is the solution for my problem?
This is a common problem among those who sit at the desk for long hours at a stretch. This may cause an early wear and tear in the disc. You need a special investigation called discography to know the exact source of your pain. If a degenerated disc is the source, the best treatment is to replace the diseased disc with an artificial one.
spondylitis
I am 65. I’ve been suffering from lumbar spondylitis for the past 10 years. For the last six months there is severe pain and cramps in the leg muscles whenever I walk. Please help.
Are you a smoker? Those who smoke heavily often have leg-cramps in which blood supply to the limbs gradually decreases. Pain and cramps can also occur in a condition called lumbar canal stenosis in which an abnormal bone and a soft tissue overgrowth reduce the space for the nerves and spinal cord. Mild cases can be treated through weight-reduction, physiotherapy and medicines. Severe cases require surgical methods to remove the pressure on the spinal cord.
curved feet
My three-year-old son’s feet are curved. In addition, he has a urinary problem and a hole in the heart for which he is undergoing treatment. An x-ray shows a defective spine-bone formation. Please help.
I think your son has congenital vertebral malformations ? a type of a defect of the spine since birth. It is either a genetic defect or caused by environmental factors like smoking, drinking, high fever, or drug-intake of the mother during pregnancy. It may lead to multiple defects in the spine bones. Some of the defects may even involve the base of the brain and spinal cord. Also, there may be associated defects in feet, hip joints, heart problems and urinary problems. Your son requires an MRI examination of the spine. If there is a vertebral defect which may deteriorate, preventive surgery should be done now. It can prevent future progression of the problem and later complications of the heart, lungs and spinal cord.
pain in the leg
My daughter (12) has been suffering from back pain for the past one year. Now she has pain on her right leg as well. This doesn’t respond to physiotherapy or exercise. An MRI of the spine indicates a second-grade slip of the fifth lumbar bone and a defect in the spine bone. She has been wearing a brace, but it’s of no use. What’s the remedy?
Minor defects in the spine are common and do not require any treatment. Your daughter may have had some developmental defects in the spine which have led to the progression of the slipped vertebra. She needs observation at frequent intervals, and if there’s any risk of further progression of the slip ? which in advanced cases lead to intractable pain ? it may lead to difficulty in walking, or even paralysis. Your daughter needs repositioning of the slipped vertebra with metal screws, rods and cylinders.
YOUR HEALTH
We invite readers’ queries on health problems. Eminent doctors will respond to them in this column every week. Mail your letters to:
KnowHOW, The Telegraph, 6, Prafulla Sarkar Street, Calcutta 700 001
email: knowhow@abpmail.com
