I've been diagnosed with L4-L5 bulging and a minor S1 fracture, and they're saying it's spondylitis and recommending surgery. How serious is this? Should I be worried about long-term effects if I don't get the surgery? Are there other treatment options I could try first?

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

Dr Dhankecha Dineshbhai

General Practitioner

MBBS
6+ Yrs

Consult Now

Spondylitis with L4-L5 bulging disc and S1 fracture may require surgery if conservative treatments (like physical therapy, medications, or spinal injections) fail. Surgery may help reduce long-term complications, but you should explore non-surgical options first.

Dr. Dhankecha Suggests...

Consult a Neurosurgeon

Find a Neurosurgeon

Answered 14/08/2025

More Neurosurgery Health Queries

View all

I've been diagnosed with multiple lumbar ligamentum flavum issues and a couple of disc bulges in my lower back. The pain is really intense, and I'm also dealing with bowel and bladder problems along with ED. I'm only 30 is surgery the only way to fix this completely or are there other options I can explore?

ortho opinion is advised to the patient at apollo hospital.

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

I've been diagnosed with a diffuse annular disc bulge at L4-L5 causing thecal sac indentation and bilateral recess narrowing with nerve compression. My doctor mentioned endoscopic discectomy but I'm not sure if it's really necessary will this procedure actually provide a permanent fix or are there other options I should consider first?

Discectomy is the procedure done by a neurosurgeon.

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

what's the best way to treat sciatica pain my doctor suggested surgery but I'm worried about how bad it could get in the worst case is it safe to drive long distances with this kind of pain

Sciatica may respond to physiotherapy,medication,or epidural injections.Surgery is usually last resort.Driving long distances should be limited if pain worsens.

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

Health Articles for you

View all

Cerebral Aneurysms

Cerebral Aneurysm Rupture: Key Symptoms and Emergency Action

Learn to recognise the key symptoms of a cerebral aneurysm rupture and understand the urgent steps to take in an emergency.

Pinched Nerve

Pinched Nerve in Neck: Non-Surgical Relief Guide

Learn how to relieve a pinched nerve in the neck with non-surgical methods, including exercises, posture tips, and effective home remedies.

General Medical Consultation

Guide to Neurosurgery -Treat Shaky Hands

Know about the neurosurgery, what are shaky hands, causes, risk factors, techniques to calm it, medications and living with shaky hands and more.

Disclaimer: Answers on Apollo 247 are not intended to replace your doctor advice. Always seek help of a professional doctor in case of an medical emergency or ailment.