Hi, Dr. Wan, I got severe sciatica for 6 months+, nerve pain from buttock to leg, getting more severe during standing and walking. Physiotherapy & TCM does not work.
MRI report: - At L3/L4 level, grade I retrolisthesis, - Posterior disc bulge with hypertrophic ligamentum flavum/facets, - L4 transiting nerve roots impingement, - Annular fissures at posterior disc margins of L3/4, L4/5 & L5/S1
My question: Do I need a spine surgery to treat above problems. How much is OT fee roughly? Thanks so much!!
For severe sciatica lasting more than 6 months, with worsening nerve pain radiating from the buttock to leg, MRI findings of grade I retrolisthesis (L3/L4), disc bulges, hypertrophy, and especially nerve root impingement at L4, spine surgery may be indicated if conservative treatments like physiotherapy and TCM have failed.
When Surgery Is Recommended • Surgery is typically considered if nerve-related symptoms (pain, numbness, weakness) continue to worsen despite 6–8 weeks (or longer) of non-surgical management.
• Relevant MRI features include nerve root impingement, structural instability (retrolisthesis), and persistent annular fissures with neurological impairment.
• Common procedures for your MRI findings may include microdiscectomy, laminectomy, foraminotomy, or sometimes fusion, especially if instability is present.
• Surgery is almost always considered in the presence of significant, progressive neurological deficits or intolerable, persistent pain affecting quality of life.
• It’s important to discuss with a spine surgeon, as some patients gain adequate symptom relief with image-guided injections or continued conservative care, especially if weakness, severe numbness, or cauda equina syndrome is not present.