Harrington Rod and lower back pain

Three rounds of injections with no relief. Very frustrated and upset. Tired of being in pain.

Welcome back @sutherlin, I am sorry the injections are offering no relief. Do you have a specific question you could ask @bethmcch as she also has Harrington rods?

It doesn't sound like she has had any relief either. The drs say because the majority of my back is fused, attempting to fuse the L2-L6 would make it so I wouldn't be able to bend at all and that's no way to live either. I go back on the 19th of January and we will have to do a lot of searching for some answers.

The sacro-coccygeal injection I had on Monday did actually help some. I still feel like I need a cane after walking for 10 minutes, but before the injection, I was in a lot more pain. So, I am encouraged. Maybe I can walk some more and avoid more bone density loss. 🙂

Hello, I had Harrington Rod placement and spinal fusion in June, 2016. I am 66 years old, having a difficult recovery. Is there anyone else out there with problems related to muscle spasms and chronic pain with this surgery?

Hello @recoverychris and welcome to Connect. I moved your discussion and combined it with another discussion already taking place on Harrington Rods. We are glad you found this conversation, as other members have discussed the same frustrations and concerns that you have.

In this discussion you will meet @sutherlin, @bethmcch and @suee who all have Harrington rods and may be able to address you questions about recovery.

@recoverychris, what sort of things are you currently doing for recovery? What treatments and therapy have your current physicians offered for relief?

Hi everyone, I am currently taking Tramadol for pain, Tizanidine for muscle spasms, and Gabepentin for nerve conduction. I am riding a stationary bike for 10 to 15 minutes almost daily, walking 15-20 minutes almost daily and doing some abdominal exercises and stretches I was given by my physical therapist. I was recently "graduated" from physical therapy, I didn't agree with that decision. I found a Brooks re-hab here in Daytona because I know their strong affiliation with Mayo Clinic, where I had my surgery in Jacksonville. I use a large ice pack and also use a heating pad for relief. But, I am still miserable with strong muscle tension that feels like its pulling me down, from my 10th thorasic vertebre through my low back. It's excruciating and the only thing that gives me comfort is to sit down or lie down. I am really frustrated, I would love to hear what others do that I might try for relief. Thank you for hearing me. On the outside I look like I am fine, others do not understand how much this pain keeps me from being myself, living my life. My body has changed, in that my rear is disappearing, flat back syndrome I think it is called. I am fused into both of my pelvic bones. I would appreciate any input. Thank you all!!

I think steroid shots are dangerous protocol treatments that doctors are required to give before actually attending to your real back problems.
I would find an expert neurosurgeon in scoliosis for another opinion. In 40 years, I would hope a talented surgeon could find a way to really help you.
Research online and be careful of the dates and sources you read. The newer & more scientific, the better .
Best Wishes!

I am surprised your physical therapist 1. Did not tell you to modify exercises that cause extreme pain and 2. To lie down and rest your back for 20 to 30 min. a day. I hope you can get your body and core stronger without so much pain.

Thank you. I don't have any issues with the rod itself, but its the lower lumbar spine that is the problem with degenerative disc disease. I don't think I'm different than anyone else that has this problem. I'm waiting for a neurosurgeon to review my CT scan, my SPECT CT scan and my MRI to make a decision on what to do. I just have to continue to be patient and hope for the best. I'm just getting grouchy as I'm in pain 24/7 where before I could sit or lay down and relieve the pain and that doesn't happen now.