Our Summary

This study is about low back pain, specifically a type known as Lumbar Radiculopathy (LR). LR is a painful condition where the nerves in your lower back are squeezed or irritated, often due to a slipped disc, wear and tear of the spine, or a narrowing of the spaces where the nerves pass through. This can lead to back pain that spreads to the legs, numbness, muscle weakness, and loss of reflexes.

The researchers wanted to see how effective a particular treatment is for this condition. The treatment combines two techniques: quantum molecular resonance disc decompression (which helps relieve pressure on the nerves) and percutaneous microdiscectomy (a minimally invasive surgery to remove part of the slipped disc). These two techniques were used together with a tool called Grasper© forceps.

The researchers also wanted to see if the patient’s physical stress levels impacted the success of the treatment. They measured results using a variety of scales that assess pain, disability, quality of life, and sleep.

The study found that a year after the treatment, patients who were not under physical stress showed better results. For the whole group of patients, the average improvement was significant in nearly two-thirds of the measures studied.

In conclusion, this combined treatment seems to be a good option for LR, but it works best if patients can reduce their physical stress.

FAQs

  1. What is lumbar radiculopathy and what are its symptoms?
  2. What is quantum molecular resonance disc decompression and how does it help patients with lumbar radiculopathy?
  3. What role does physical stress play in the long-term effectiveness of the QMRG treatment for lumbar radiculopathy?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might advise a patient undergoing microdiscectomy to follow their post-operative instructions carefully, including taking prescribed pain medications, avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous activities, and attending follow-up appointments for monitoring progress and rehabilitation. It is also important for the patient to maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and proper posture to prevent future back issues.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for microdiscectomy are those who have persistent lumbar radiculopathy (LR) caused by lumbar disc herniation, vertebra degeneration, or foramen narrowing. These patients may experience symptoms such as low back pain that radiates to the legs, numbness, weakness, and loss of reflexes. Microdiscectomy may be recommended for patients who have not responded to conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and injections. It is important to assess the long-term effectiveness of microdiscectomy and consider the patient’s physical stress status to ensure optimal outcomes.

Timeline

Before microdiscectomy:

  1. Patient experiences low back pain, often radiating down the legs
  2. Symptoms may include numbness, weakness, and loss of reflexes
  3. Patient may undergo diagnostic tests such as MRI or CT scan to confirm lumbar radiculopathy
  4. Conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and injections may be tried first
  5. If symptoms persist and are not relieved by conservative measures, surgery may be recommended

After microdiscectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes microdiscectomy surgery to remove the herniated disc material pressing on the nerve root
  2. Recovery period typically involves pain management, physical therapy, and gradually increasing activity levels
  3. Patient may experience some initial soreness and discomfort at the surgical site
  4. Over time, symptoms of lumbar radiculopathy should improve as the nerve root is no longer compressed
  5. Patient may need to continue with rehabilitation exercises and follow-up appointments to monitor progress and prevent recurrence of symptoms

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is a microdiscectomy and how does it work to treat lumbar radiculopathy?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with microdiscectomy?
  3. How long is the recovery period after a microdiscectomy procedure?
  4. What is the success rate of microdiscectomy in relieving pain and improving symptoms of lumbar radiculopathy?
  5. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before undergoing a microdiscectomy?
  6. How will physical stress impact the long-term effectiveness of a microdiscectomy procedure?
  7. What can I do to minimize physical stress and maximize the benefits of a microdiscectomy?
  8. Are there any lifestyle changes or rehabilitation exercises that can help support the success of the procedure?
  9. How often will follow-up appointments be needed after the microdiscectomy?
  10. What are the expected outcomes and prognosis for my specific case of lumbar radiculopathy after undergoing a microdiscectomy?

Reference

Authors: Canós-Verdecho Á, Robledo R, Izquierdo RM, Bermejo A, Gallach E, Abejón D, Argente-Navarro MP, Peraita-Costa I, Morales-Suárez-Varela M. Journal: J Clin Med. 2023 Dec 30;13(1):234. doi: 10.3390/jcm13010234. PMID: 38202241