Suffering from spondolysis and degenerated disc. Can I exercise?

Dr Smarajit Chakraborty answers a query of a man suffering from spondylosis and degenerated disc.

Written By: Dr Smarajit Chakrabarty | Updated : October 15, 2013 6:11 PM IST

My name is Pradeep Chauhan. Age 23, from Lucknow, India. I have a spondolysis and degenerated disc at l4-s1. Since last year, I have too much pain in my back. Doctor said that it will be okay by doing some exercise but still I don't get any relief from pain. Please give some suggestion and also tell me what exercises I should do?

Answered by orthopaedic surgeon Dr Smarajit Chakrabarty

You are only 23, considering that you have experienced these changes fairly early on. Secondly, you say that there is discitis and degeneration spread over the L4 to S1 area, which means that the changes, are there on two sites. This is unusual too. Your condition needs to be investigated thoroughly: an MRI of the LS spine and a haemogram at the basic minimum, plus, since in India we are taught to think of Tuberculosis in the first instance, other tests to rule out the presence of Pott's spine are required. In the mean time, I would advise you not to bend forwards or lift any heavy weight, and to wear a Goldthwaite Belt. Exercises are best avoided till a conclusive diagnosis is made.

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Dr Smarajit Chakrabarty is a renowned Orthopaedic surgeon, currently practicing in Delhi. He is attached to a number of renowned hospitals like Max Super Specialty and Apollo hospitals. He is one of first orthopaedic surgeons in India to receive formal training in the Ilizarov Method. He has been given the distinction of an exclusive Power of Attorney to represent the Ilizarov Institute, Kurgan, Russia in India. He started the Centre with a view of promoting the Ilizarov Technique in India. He attended Silver Jubilee Conference, 'Recent Advances in the use of the Ilizarov Method of Treatment' at the Ilizarov Institute, Kurgan, Russia, in 1996. He was instrumental in organizing a camp in March, 1997 in Delhi in association with the Ilizarov Institute, Kurgan. This was the first time that such a camp was held in India. Prof. V.I. Shevtsov, MD, DSc, Gen Director, Ilizarov Institute, and Dr. N.N. Smeylishev, MD, PhD, Senior Consultant, were among those who participated and the method was used to successfully treat cases of post-polio deformities, non-unions and osteomyelitis.

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