Spontaneous Regression of Lumbar Disc Herniation After Weight Loss: Case Report

Turk Neurosurg. 2015;25(4):657-61. doi: 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.9183-13.1.

Abstract

Diagnosis, treatment, and surgery for lumbar disc herniations have existed for over a century. However, during the last three decades, there have been many new developments in imaging techniques, surgical procedures, physical medicine, and rehabilitation. In light of this, the most effective and appropriate treatment is controversial. Spontaneous regression of sequestrated, extruded, or protruded disc herniation has often been reported in the literature, although it is still a rare phenomenon. After a thorough review of the literature, we did not find any case report about this phenomenon after weight loss. In this report, though, we present a recent case about spontaneous regression of extruded disc herniation following weight loss.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / complications
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Intervertebral Disc Displacement / pathology
  • Intervertebral Disc Displacement / therapy*
  • Leg
  • Low Back Pain / etiology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Metformin / therapeutic use
  • Obesity / complications
  • Obesity / therapy
  • Pain / etiology
  • Remission, Spontaneous
  • Watchful Waiting
  • Weight Loss*

Substances

  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Metformin