Surgery or not

Surgery or not

Q:

Age: 59 Sex: M Concern: Numbness

I was rear ended in a car accident back in Feb. 2006. I had lower back pain and neck pain for awhile. The pains went away but numbness in my arms and legs and tingling in my hands and feet started. Since feb. the numbness is getting worse and is present all the time. The only pain I am getting is in my arms and right side of my butt on the right side and lower part of my right leg when I am driving. I had different test and the only one that was abnormal was an MRI of my neck. I was told If I wanted to be able to walk or to be able to move I would have to have surgery. I am prepared to do this but would like to know if this is the only way or are there other options. Also I am a painter and never had any of these problems until I got rear ended. Thank You Russell

-- Russell

A:

Get a second opinion before surgery. Six months after the accident, chances are if you are walking now, you will continue walking. Surgery is rarely necessary as a pre-emptive measure.

-- Sherman Nam Tran, M. D.

to ask Dr. Tran.