Low back pain 25 years post surgery and which vertebrae would be fused ?

[em25]

Hi All
This is my first time posting. I had rods put in at 14 years of age, 26 years ago. I've never had any back pain until now. I've had 3 episodes of acute low back pain in the past 10 months. I have CD rods and some lumbar fusion. My question is whether to try acupuncture or whether to go with physio or massage. I have tried P.Forte and Nurofen Plus which make me a zombie. I'm trying heat packs too. I'm currently on Day 10 of back pain.
The physio I have seen once, said that I have a ducks bum, penguin feet and knocked knees as the muscles have always been tight around my spine due to the presence of a 'foreign body' and that they need loosening and that my pelvis tilts forward. Has anyone any thoughts on all of this ?? And also, do surgeons generally fuse all the vertebrae under the rods as well as some of the lumbar spine ?
Thanks for any info.

[Seni]

Hi,

I had surgery 30 years ago. I have always been active and like yourself started to experience lower back pain. For the past 2 years I have been going to twice weekly physio led reformer Pilates classes. I find this has helped me and I no longer am in pain. The exercises given to me focus on glutes, core strength and stability and strengthening the lower back muscles. The physio I see has never made these comments and has always been helpful and listened.

I’m unsure if the surgery done today is different.

Hope this information helps you.

Good luck

[Christine]

Hi there

Your description of your back sounds very similar to most of us here.

I have lots of post-surgery discomfort (2 x surgeries 2011 and 2012 fused T4-L1) and always find strengthening and stretching works the best to alleviate pain. My lower back is pretty gnarly and it has to work really hard to support the upper body so keeping the lower region strong is really important. Mind you, I am finding exercise harder and harder to do when all of my other bones are getting weaker with age

My pelvis is in a different position after fusion. And yep about the foreign body; I feel like I have a concrete slab in my back that is always tight.

I stay clear of meds usually, but sometimes after really big days I tak a Valium. It helps my body soften to sleep and sometimes I take Panadol.

It might be a good idea to see your GP and get an updated referral to see your surgeon for a review. Maybe have a look at what you have been doing differently lately i.e. work/lifting/sitting too long etc. or anything that may be causing a bit of strain to your back.

Re the fusion around the rods; that's a good question. I've always presumed it fuses in between the vertebrae where the surgeon packs the graft material (and not around the rods) but would be worth Googling that one.

And poo to your physio terrorist for saying you have a duck's bum!