Spinal pain management

I had a double fusion in 2022. My back pain is still there, but of course not as bad as when I first broke my back. I have an appointment with my pain specialist on Thursday. I want to consider the intracept surgery. I will probably always have some back pain, but I would like to be able to stand or walk for more than five minutes without pain. If an MRI doesn't show scar tissue what would?

Hi — have u tried myofacial massage to break up the scar tissue? I am wondering if Essentric movement might help? You can check out Miranda White at Essentrics.com

i am wondering what new discomfort I will be dealing with post fusion. Thanks for posting.

I am looking at T12-S1 fusion. Currently most my pain is from sciatica impingement that makes it difficult to stand or walk but pretty much feel fine sitting and laying down.

Been there, done that. Since 2001, I've had a number of surgeries on my spine, 3 attempts with the TENS units, epidurals, myelograms, PT, Chiropractic visits, spinal decompression, vein abilation, antidepression medications, opiods, methadone, heat and ice, and I've even talked to a psychologist regarding the toll that it has/is taking on my overall well-being. I am happily married 26 years so far, have 3 wonderful adult children and 11 grandchildren that I can't give my once full potential to. I am now living with probably just a third of that potential. Camping, boating, interacting with grandchildren, shopping with my daughter, all of those enjoyable things I used to be able to do have been cut short by this agonizing issue. Sad for all. As far as those implants are concerned, I'd have them removed. I did. As with all 3 attempts in the past, they are more trouble than what they are worth. Lots of scar tissue wrapped around them. Very difficult to remove! These Golden Years are becoming more and more difficult!!!
Sending you hugs and best wishes telepathically from Maryland!

I have had an SCS in my Lumbar for about three years now. I am most fortunate in that I receive 100% relief. The amount of relief varies in each patient. Do your research. DO NOT necessarily accept that which thebdoctor proposes. You must obtain one that fits your needs. God bless you.

Hello! I have my second spinal cord stimulator, which was implanted in 2016. It was then that I was diagnosed with adhesive arachnoiditis. I had previously been told there was permanent nerve damage. I had had an L5/S1 fusion which helped a lot, but I had developed intense pain months later. I don't know if the arachnoiditis was caused by ESIs, myelograms, or the surgery.
Anyway, the high frequency stimulator I have now is much better than the previous one. However, make sure you get one that is MRI-compatible, as my old leads are not. I still take lots of pain prescriptions and I use a power wheelchair when out and about. The stimulator reduces pain maybe 20% and with that plus all my meds, I usually have about level 4-5 pain. For me, it wasn't the miracle cure I had hoped for. With Arachnoiditis, it takes a bunch of things working together. For anyone having severe back pain that radiates down your legs and feet, ask all your docs about arachnoiditis. They may be hesitant to diagnose it, since it is often caused by medical tests and procedures. Research thoroughly before consenting to anything invasive in your spine, including implanting a stimulator .
Best of luck to everyone!

I have had a Laminectomy and a L3-4-5 spinal fusion 4-months ago. Prior to these surgeries, I had met with previous Pain Management doctors and every one of them "pushed" the SCS on me. As a nurse, I read the literature and watched the video, and made the decision that there was no way I was going to have that SCS implanted in me. Now here I am a few years later, just had 2 back surgeries, and am now seeing yet a new Pain Management Physician for my SI joint pain ---- and even he is now pushing the SCS on me. This is total qwackery and a huge money maker! And I'm not going to fall into that trap.

If you don't mind sharing, which SCS do you currently have(I'm guessing the NEVRO HFX). I am going for a trial of the Boston Scientific WAveRider in three weeks.
Thanks

heisenberg34: I have the Abbott Labs Proclaim Model 3884. I researched aboutt 6 brands. When I went to my PMR, who could have pitched the Nevro and a couple others, he felt that the Proclaim was best for me; and that was the Brand and moel that I had decided upon. I like it primarily because the generator lasts up until ten years. Since I am 80, my guess is that the Lord will tae me before I need a new generator. do your research and be informed. Like the old Xerox training that I received, "not informed is not in form". God bless you

I agree, it's just a money maker for them. I did the trial for the Nevro and it didn't do much of anything, maybe a .5 percent help and the pain Dr I saw for it called me the day after I had the trial taken out and told me I had to decide asap if I wanted the permanent one! Now I have a different problem, that is I had a laminotomy almost seven months ago which for the first three months after was great, but now I am having twitching and spasms in my legs and developing foot drop. The surgeon says I may need a fusion which I am very nervous about because I have Osteoporosis. I don't know who to trust anymore.

You are wise to be hesitant about a spinal fusion. Too many docs jump on the spinal fusion band wagon. I have seen too many posts here(along with my own personal experience) where people complain of the spinal fusion not helping, and often causing more problems. Did you have an MRI? On what basis are they telling you to have a fusion? I would recommend that you get a second, even third opinion before allowning someone to cut into your back again. There should be overwhelming evidence for the fusion, confirmed by a second opinion. I wish you well.