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Lumbar Spinal Fusion, Post-Op. Should I have these symptoms?

Spine Health | Last Active: 5 days ago | Replies (67)
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@heisenberg34

Thanks for your response. You were fortunate to find that PT can help your symptoms. I have met with several pain docs over the past two years. One is "managing" my pain pump. The other one was a default doc who took over when the original guy left and turned me over to this guy. He tried a SCS trial which did not work due to excessive scar tissue. I have begged and pleaded for some fresh ideas but to no avail. I just started physical therapy to try and derail some of this excruciating pain. After three sessions, it seems to only cause my pain to ramp up even worse. I don't know if that was your experience, but I don't know if I should continue. Experiencing a new level of pain is no fun. But, if the old saying is true, "no pain, no gain", then, perhaps, I am gaining something besides pain. If I could have some assurance that continuing would yield some benefit, I would definitely forge ahead. Your thoughts?

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Replies to "Thanks for your response. You were fortunate to find that PT can help your symptoms. I..."
cateh | @cateh | Feb 6 1:57pm

I found a really good PT but I had to research it carefully. The person I used had a doctorate in PT and she had training in an Australian method that may be different than what is common here in the US. It focused on daily exercises (about 45 minutes plus another 45 minutes of cardio on a bike), manual manipulation and myofascial release which really really helped the pain. I had to travel a little bit (50 minutes) but it was worth it. Luckily my husband was able to drive me because I was far too uncomfortable to drive in the beginning.

I tried another PT closer to home (the clinic came well-recommended) but he made me very uncomfortable. He spent a lot of time loosening my SI joint but that did not address post-surgery muscle spasms higher up in my back where the surgery area was. In fact, it made the spasms worse. There was no manual manipulation and myofascial release, just use of some machine that pulsed. It was not helpful. Look for a manual manipulation and myofascial release practitioner.

Unfortunately, I needed to pay out of pocket for some of my care because the insurance did not cover it 100% (the reimbursement was totally inconsistent, have no idea why) but I am very glad I went to that clinic. I believe that I learned how to care for my back, get stronger and live a fairly active life even having sustained a serious injury like I did. The best PTs are real healers and not mechanics. I would not count on a lot of help from your doctor(s), unfortunately. We are kind of on our own to forge a path to wellness after surgery.

I am so sorry that you are going through this. Take good care of yourself and please look around for a talented, knowledgeable PT.

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