Thank you, Dr Corenman, for the quick response. Indeed flexion-based movements do feel better, but we do a lot of hip extension-based movements in the gym and in sports in general, so it is difficult to modify everything to accomodate this.
A few follow-up questions, if you don’t mind:
– what sort of progression would one expect in terms of the narrowing and nerve root compression? i.e. what is a “typical” (if there is one) progression of the foraminal space and damage to the nerve? Is cauda equina syndrome, etc. an inevitable outcome, or is it mainly continued pain/discomfort if not addressed surgically?
– how long should one pursue conservative measures before considering surgery?
– what sort of athletic limitations are there after an L5-S1 fusion?
– are there good long-term outcome data on TLIF at L5-S1, especially among athletes?
– are there any fusion procedures done for spondy w/o instrumentation/hardware?
– lastly, is there any potential down the road for artificial lumbar disc replacement as an alternative to fusion, or is this not indicated for a spondy?
Thanks again.
