Why
is a second opinion so important when it comes to severe Back pain?
Dilip
Ahuja (name changed), a 57-year-old Army Officer had been leading a
healthy active life which included regular golf and long walks. But a year back
it all came to a halt when he started experiencing severe lower back pain.
Within 6 months pain and numbness had not only gripped his lower back, he also
started experiencing shooting pains down his left thigh. His first medical consult
resulted in an MRI and X-Ray prescription that showed a Disc Bulge and nerve
compression.
Battling
increasing pain every day, he frantically looked for options to relieve the
pain after painkillers were proving ineffective.
A consultation with a senior Orthopedic led him to be
prescribed a surgery. Frustrated with his options, he started slipping into
depression. Alarmed by his deteriorating health, his family reached out to
their friends for advice.
Another
army officer who had suffered from a similar condition came down to meet him
and advised him to seek a second opinion from a Spine Specialist at the QI Back
& Spine Clinic. Unlike other parts of the body, the spine is a very complex structure and hence arriving at a clear diagnosis
can be challenging. An effective treatment can only be advised after a clear
diagnosis is made. It is a medical fact today that over 60% of back pain cases do not show up a clear
diagnosis.
A
multi-disciplinary approach to diagnosis is absolutely essential when it comes
to the spine. Imaging tests tell an incomplete story as it is crucial to test
spine function as well. Dilip underwent a Spine function test (DSA) which
revealed a poor mechanical (muscular) structure. He was advised non-surgical treatment
which isolated and strengthened this structure. The treatment was precise and
within a week the pain was dramatically reduced. 6 months of agony was reversed 4 weeks and he returned to a
normal active lifestyle. “I am very happy I came for a second opinion to QI and
they could help me find a non-surgical solution to my problem. I am back to my
optimistic, healthy self with almost 0 pain thanks to QI”, says Mr. Ahuja.
Repeated
research over many years has proven without doubt that conservative treatment
is essential when it comes to the spine. A Surgery is required in less than 5%
of these cases that are very severe and have a high degree of neurological
involvement. Medical guidelines suggest that patients with predominant back
pain coming from degenerated discs, surgery should only be prescribed after
medical / rehabilitative management options have been explored. The protocols
formulated by the Qi Spine Research Academy followed by the Spine Specialists
at Qi are the result of years of specialization, research and evidence based
practice in the complex structure we call the spine.
QI Back and Spine Clinic
Locations – Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune and Delhi
Call on: 07848842233/ 086558 85566