Can there be improvement in reflexes after a herniated disc?

Question

Hello doctor,

May I receive your opinion on my two MRI's? I continue to have neck pain, but my motor control has improved. Should I aggressively pursue ADR? I had a herniated disc around six years back. I experienced extensive motor control losses in the triceps. There is continued improvement in strength but minor to no improvement in reflex.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I saw the MRI reports (the attachments have been removed to protect the patient's privacy).

I believe the condition has improved as the latest MRI does not report an inferior extension of the disc, and there is some possibility that the disc has become smaller in size. If you are improving, then I think you can wait for another 2 to 3 weeks, but at the same time, I would not recommend waiting for too long as then the power recovery of muscles after surgery never occurs.

You can try medicines and physiotherapy for 2 to 3 weeks, but if you do not get full power in the muscles, then surgery will be a good option for you. I have listed some precautions for you to follow:

1. Avoid lifting heavy weights.

2. Avoid arching your back; bend your knees to pick something up from the floor.

3. Avoid sitting for long hours.

4. Avoid two-wheeler rides.

5. Improve your posture while sitting. Try to sit up with your back straight.

6. Try to get up from your chair every 20 minutes and take a quick walk around and then continue working. Always sit on a chair with back support.

7. Do not get up suddenly from a sleeping position; rather, turn to the side and then get up.

8. Take bed rest only if there is severe pain.

9. Do hot fomentation locally over the affected area at least twice daily.

Let me know what exactly you mean by ADR.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Artificial disk replacement is a good option which, if performed well, is a better option than just discectomy and plating. So just hold on for 3 weeks (as you are improving); if the power of your triceps does not improve, then surgery is the best option for you.

Can I also ask;

1. How much was the power of the triceps muscle initially, and how much has it improved?

2. What work do you do, like does it require active use of muscles like heavy weight lifting?

3. Are you 44 years old?