Cervical Slipped Disc Pain for More Than 15 Years — Treated with Nucleoplasty

Case History

A male 55 years of age, having neck and left arm and chest pain for more than 15 years. He feels tightness, and moderate to severe pain (VAS 7-8) on lifting some weight, exertion, or working for some time (less than 10 minutes).

His multiple MRI scans were showing disc prolapse at C5-6 and C6-7 levels, more on the left side. No other abnormality was found.

Previous Treatment Attempts

He was treated with medications, physiotherapy, various manipulation techniques, acupuncture, acupressure and so on. He tried many different methods of treatment but without any success.

He read about pain management on internet and searched for neck pain treatment. He contacted us and came to show Dr. Kailash Kothari, MD, Director PCI.

The Nucleoplasty Procedure

On examination and reviewing his MRI, Dr. Kothari suggested him a novel and minimally invasive technique called Percutaneous Nucleoplasty for his prolapsed discs. He explained him the nature of the surgery which is without cut and without bleeding. Even the side effects because of the procedure are very few and very safe.

He took his own time in making the decision (almost 3 months) and he came back to Pain Clinic when there was exacerbation of the pain. He agreed to the treatment.

A minimally invasive surgery called Percutaneous Nucleoplasty was performed for him at two levels. The procedure involved an injection from the front of neck and insertion of nucleoplasty wand through it and applied coblation RF current intradiscally at 3 points. The procedure was done under local anaesthesia and performed in 30 minutes.

Outcome

The recovery of patient was fantastic with more than 80% pain relief on table. His first words on table were — "It's so painless, can I do it again in future if required?" He blessed the entire team for his treatment.