Spinal Fusion?

Question

I'm 49 and had a car accident I had spinal fusion L4/S1 early Jan but have had increased pain for 3 weeks ,my consultant has xrays from last week and is quite happy with progress ,but said I was to do nothing for two more months. I have metalwork inserted and also had disc decompression as some nerves were pinched ,I would like info of anyone who has had similar op to give me an idea on the recovery time and mobility I can expect , we all recover differently I know, but to talk to someone who has been through the same would be good and ease the boredom of pottering about!!

Answer 1

I have not had a spinal fusion myself, but have treated many patients who have had them so I will tell you about my experiences with them.

On average, it takes around one year. This can vary tremendously according to many factors (i.e. if you smoke, it takes longer to heal; poor nutrition will affect your body's ability to heal).

You should be starting gentle physical therapy with your treatment consisting of the following:
- basic Pilates (learning how to contract your transverse abdominis muscle to help increase the support of your back)
- pain management techniques, including laser therapy, electrical stimulation, needle-less acupuncture/micro stimulation
- very gentle nerve stretches on both legs
- very gentle strengthening exercises (for both your arms and legs) even if you are only contracting muscles without moving; will help to keep your strength and stop you loosing more muscle mass

Although I am a UK trained physiotherapist, I now practice in the USA. I am not sure if they will have all the above available on the NHS.

Good luck!

Answer 2

I too had a spinal fusion (all but 7 vertebrae 3 top & 4 bottom are fused) 20 yrs ago. I was born with 1/2 vertebrae missing (scoliosis). I too have metalwork. I was completely flat for 2 wks (turning every 2 hrs). I was fitted for a full back brace which I then wore. I wore this back brace for 23 hrs of a 24 hr day for 1 yr. then was slowly winged off a little each month after that for another yr. Since I had the brace I was not able to move my torso, other than at the hips. The brace sucked, (especially since I was in High School) but all in all, it actually made it easier, because i could only do what it allowed me do. There was no way of moving my spine in the brace. I still can only bend at the hips, but I have adjusted & function as a regular adult. My total recovery took 3 1/2 yrs, when I was released by my doctor. I have had no problems since, in fact I had x rays taken 2 yrs. ago, & there was no sign ao any shifting or movement.

Answer 3

So sorry for you. I had a cervical discectomy, bone fusion, plate and screws, C4, C5 and C6. It took me about a year to recuperate. My range of motion is probably 40%. I suspect that your L4/S1 is also fused because of the metal, so that area will remain rigid (inflexible). You'll learn to move through compensation and I imagine you will seek physical therapy. It's like you said, everyone's experience is different and time will tell. I sure wish you the best, follow your physicians instructions by the letter. I know you're tired of it, but don't push it. The discs above and below the surgical area will experience more stress by compensating for the immobilization, so keep that in mind. Sometimes those discs will herniate from the stress, which was my experience, unfortunately. Not to worry you, just a heads up. I wish you the best in your recovery. Time passes quickly so take it slow! Bless you.

Answer 4

I had a fusion at 16.. 5-12 T. Recovery for me was about a year.. 5 body casts etc. . I'm 53 now and having problems with L-5.. Was very active my entire life. About a month or two ago.. I began having problems in my Lumbar spine and right hip.. I would not think twice about another fusion if I needed one. Best thing I did at 16.. I'm still hitting the recumbent bike and machine weights. Not alot of free weights these days. Maybe some flyes or lateral raises.. Good luck with your recovery.. I know it's depressing. I really miss hiking.. which at this time, I'm unable to walk for more than 100 yards or more..

Answer 5

I was leaving work and a tractor trailer ran a red light and hit my vehicle. It ruptured my l5-s1 disc. I had surgery in may 2000. Six weeks later I coughed really hard and re-ruptured it. Had 2nd surgery June 2000. In Sept 2001, had the 3rd resulting in rods and fusion. I still go once a year and have a rizotomy(nerve burn). Please follow ALL dr's orders. I truly wish you the best. Oh yeah, my mobility is pretty good and I am older than you too. You will be ok.

Answer 6

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