Has anyone had SI joint pain following a lumbar fusion?

Posted by denman55 @denman55, Aug 19, 2024

I had an L3-4-5 lumbar fusion in May. 3-months post op I began to have hip pain. After meeting with my Neurosurgeon, he informed me that what I am experiencing is SI joint pain. I also have lower back pain, and groin pain. This pain is horrible. My Neurosurgeon has referred me to a Pain Management physician to get SI joint injections. Has anyone ever experienced pain like this following a fusion?

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elizadolittle | @elizadolittle | Aug 22, 2024

In reply to @smasselle "Has anyone had an ablation after spinal fusion for their SI joint?" + (show)

I see I'm not the only person who has pain in the hip or side after surgery for spinal stenosis at L4, L5. I've finally whined enough to my family doctor and I'm now taking a step up from Tylenol Extra strength. It has Tramadol in it. So far, one tablet lasts for two days. Friday, I'm off to my chiropractor and acupuncturist. I'm beginning to think 3 weeks apart is too much.

My operation was a year ago in March. I don't really like taking Tramadol as I have to drive. I keep it at a minimum and do my best to do it on the day after I've taken my painkiller. I guess the good part is that we are not stuck in a wheelchair! That would mean moving. I have the regulation one level of stairs (according to one doctor who used to give talks on TV.) I have a little dog that I walk as well. It used to be an eight-block walk. Now it is about 2-3 three.

They say, "misery loves company!" In my case, I appreciate this information. It is helping me understand that I'm not the only one with side and hip pain after a back operation.

Here's to a better back future!

empress | @empress | Aug 22, 2024

In reply to @elizadolittle "I see I'm not the only person who has pain in the hip or side after..." + (show)

I had L3-L5 fusion 22 years ago and still have hip and low back pain, intermittantly. I use chiropractic at times. PT has also helped. I don't think it will ever be normal. Just keep up the walking.
I also had 2 hips replaced in 3 months time. So I feel like the bionic women! Just have to keep on keeping on. Good luck.

kburt911 | @kburt911 | Aug 24, 2024

I had 3 failed laminectomies for L1 they L5 and was referred to pain management. For the last year I have been under the care of a pain doctor for severe leg pain that radiates up to my groin and buttocks and also lower back pain. I have had nerve blocks, epidural injections, ablation. About 6 weeks ago I had a spinal stimulator implanted, not to mention living on pain meds. None of the listed treatments have worked. My pain doctor wants me to go back to my neurosurgeon and talk to him about having him and another set of eyes to see if all of this pain after surgery is due to sacroiliac joint disfunction. I am lucky enough that I have a very good relationship with all my doctors and they talk to each other. I have an appointment with my neurosurgeon Thursday to discuss the next step. They think I will need rods in my spine and in my sacroiliac joint. Remember one thing. What doesn't work for one doesn't mean it won't work for you. I do believe however that once you have back surgery that you will never be the same.

maustin723 | @maustin723 | 3 days ago

Yes! I had a lumbar fusion in 2021 (L4-L5 ad L5/S1). Immediately I had nerve pain that would shoot down my left leg when I tried to get up from the seated position and when I tried to sit. I would literally get stuck in the position of trying to sit. It progressed and became more painful for seven months. Finally it subsided. Methylprednisolone helped. Now for two and a half years I have pain in my SI joint (right side hip it feels like also the joint, groin.) I've had multiple shots as an outpatient in a surgery center with a pain management doctor for my lower back. Sometimes they helped, temporarily. Now I am considering a SI joint fusion, but I am very worried because since my lumbar fusion in September 2021, I have more pain than I had before surgery.

pete76 | @pete76 | 2 days ago

I also had a lumbar fusion (L2-S1) in 2021. I’m still in pain but I do not have any more sciatic pain. I take tramadol every day & it seems to relieve the pain for the most part in my S1 joint. I rely on my pain management doctor for injections when it gets too painful. It took me a year to recover and since I’m 75 I will not have any more surgery. I have gone to the gym now for over 15 years to do water aerobics 3-4 times a week. It really keeps me moving and the aerobic activity is good for my joints as well as my heart. I wouldn’t know what to do without it. My PT told me ‘motion is lotion’ after my first round of therapy and she was correct. Don’t give up & keep moving as much as you can! 🙏

linda6101 | @linda6101 | 2 days ago

In reply to @maustin723 "Yes! I had a lumbar fusion in 2021 (L4-L5 ad L5/S1). Immediately I had nerve pain..." + (show)

No more back surgeries. Stick with your pain doctor and see if he can get you on a pain pill.
I have a pain doctor too. He has me on Norco and I could not exist without it. I don't care when people comment on being on an opioid. I'm 72 and have no underlying conditions, just back pain from two failed surgeries.