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Lower back pain four months from laminectomy and L4/5 fusion.

Posted by downhillmarg @downhillmarg, Apr 3 7:07am

I am having, at times, severe lower back pain four months after a laminectomy and L4/5 fusion. I try to stretch, which does help, but it is sometimes hard to move without any pain. I am in PT and am looking at a trainer to help with strengthening core. Anyone have some suggestions? Anyone had this problem after surgery?

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downhillmarg | @downhillmarg | Apr 7 11:45am

I do have osteoporosis.

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westwoman3698 | @westwoman3698 | Apr 8 2:54pm
In reply to @jenatsky "You don’t say why you had the fusion and laminectomy and whether it was traumatic or..." + (show)
Profile picture for jenatsky @jenatsky

You don’t say why you had the fusion and laminectomy and whether it was traumatic or chronic. If you’ve had a long term problem that you’ve finally taken care of I wouldn’t expect to feel perfect until a year post surgery maybe. Lots of things get cut and fusion surgery is essentially traumatic to your spine to give yourself some grace to heal and don’t rush it. I had my same surgery in 1988 with stainless steel hardware. Be thankful you’ve got titanium.

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@jenatsky I agree about length of time it takes to heal. I had fusions from S-1 to L-3-4 with insertion of rods and screws in early 1980s. Trauma related. Even though I had active career and was farming in addition that didn’t really help pain relief. Have now been relatively pain free for 10 years. Treat your body with kindness, decrease as much stress as possible, be patient. I wish you the very best.

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peterpaul | @peterpaul | Apr 20 12:50pm
In reply to @northstar25 "@jenatsky Excellent advice. Almost 7 months ago, I had L4-L5 fusion, after months of excruciating pain...." + (show)
Profile picture for northstar25 @northstar25

@jenatsky Excellent advice. Almost 7 months ago, I had L4-L5 fusion, after months of excruciating pain. What a relief! I am 72, F. The surgeon said no "BLT's" (Bending, Lifting, Twisting) for several months, to allow for things to heal up. I could lift a gallon milk jug, and now can lift heavier weights, but I am NOT going to push my luck. And as I have stated before in another post, spine surgery is a delicate, serious procedure. I am being very careful not to 'overdo' it. I declined physical therapy, because I figure between climbing stairs, walking, doing normal household activities like laundry, cooking, basic cleaning, etc, I would keep my body moving and active at a reasonable pace. My advice to others who are concerned about 'getting back to normal' is: Take it Easy! Be kind to your body, listen to what it is telling you and let it heal on its own time. Remember, you don't want to go back to the type of pain you experienced before surgery!

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@northstar25

Your suggestions are "right on". Be kind to your body and do not over do it.
Thank you.
peterpaul

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