NAGPUR: A 57-year-old woman weighing 105kg started having severe low back pain which was going down to her legs around a month back. Yet, she preferred to bear the pain and avoided seeking clinical intervention assuming it to be generalized weakness.
In a few days, when she developed weakness in her legs and had difficulty getting up, passing urine and stool, the family took her to a physician who advised immediate MRI scan.
The investigation revealed she had a tumor in the lower back. The cyst compressed her spinal nerves leading to immobility beside other neurological complications.
Spine surgeon Dr Nikhil Malewar said it was sudden onset and the patient neglected the condition assuming it to be routine pain for over two weeks.
Dr Malewar said a timely surgery helped her recover and walk again. “Her weight was a big hurdle in carrying out the surgery. A patient weighing105kg is not routine. There is always risk to patient’s life and early recovery may not be expected post the surgery. Yet, the quick decision making from family and clinical point of view ensured she regained her strength,” he said.
Dr Malewar added that once weakness sets in lower limbs not many are able to recover fast and in some cases, it can lead to permanent disablitiy as well.
“The cyst was between lower back (L4 & L5). It was removed and the bones were fixed with screw, cages and rods. A day after surgery she could walk with support and within a couple of weeks she was able to walk without support and regained control over her bladder and bowel,” he said.
Dr Malewar said it is also important to perform surgery in emergency once the patient is showing signs of neurological weakness
He added that the condition is called paraplegia — when the patient’s body below waist has no movement.
Dr Malewar advised that if the patient has any back pain with weakness, they must see a doctor immediately. “Back pain is common which is mostly muscular. But if it persists for three to four weeks and you are not able to walk then you must see a specialist,” he said.
A relative said the patient has completely recovered now and can perform routine task as before.
