Hi Doctor keerthi, science has advanced so much that we Indians proud of our development in medical science. But when the real thing comes to test we fail to deliver. My wife(age 61) has a 7mm wide gap between L6-S1 she is not able to stand longer neuriodocs. easyly advise for operation, with no gurantee of complete cuse.What an agony on the failure of medical science? why we have not developed treatment to cure petient without operation which is as dengerous as the slitest mistake of doctor will lead the petiont bed ridden or paralliseor in worst case in the coma stste? What to do? mob
Hello, You are correct in preferring to treat such a problem without surgery, however, in the case you describe there really is no medication nor physical therapy/exercise that can offer relief of pain with correcting the abnormal anatomy that exists between your wives vertebral bodies L5 and S1 (there is no L6).  There is a technique of surgery referred to as MINIMALLY INVASIVE and this is a very safe and relatively easy operation to perform.  It is done through tiny incisions using cameras and often times patients can go home the same of the operation.  I would wholeheartedly support such a surgical approach by a qualified expert. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care Chat Doctor.