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Does anyone out there have a extra bone in the back? I have a L6.

Posted by elaineinmontana60 @elaineinmontana60, Sep 20 11:33am

My Doc seems to think this is a contributing factor in my spinal issues, I disagree, I've lived with it for 67 plus years, and it has only started with back pain after four surgeries in two and a half years. I lost my core and have bad back pain with scoliosis.
My husband suggests I am out of this world...hahah, that is meant to be a joke. Sort of.

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nycmusic | @nycmusic | Sep 21 10:00am
In reply to @grammato3 "@elaineinmontana60: I'm glad you found it interesting! If you've had a few abdominal surgeries, you're correct..." + (show)
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@elaineinmontana60: I'm glad you found it interesting! If you've had a few abdominal surgeries, you're correct that loss of core strength may be contributing to your discomfort. Have you ever tried physical therapy? That often assists with issues of core strength, and is one of the modalities that may be recommended for Bertolotti syndrome, if that is confirmed. Although I used the word congenital, meaning present at birth, there is the possibility this condition may indeed be genetic - an inherited connection passed down in families. If you'd like to explore this possibility, you can check with other relatives to see if any have had or heard of this among family members.

Age can certainly be a factor that contributes to pain due to break down in bones muscles, joints and/or nerves, although it is not necessarily a given for everyone; it may also be linked to underlying medical conditions so there is no need to give up and accept this as an inevitable decline. I can appreciate the desire to avoid opioids. Would you be open to a conversation with your provider about other treatment modalities to address your core strength and pain? These could include not just physical therapy (PT) but massage therapy, acupuncture, even mindfulness stress techniques like meditation or cognitive behavioral therapy.

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@grammato3 yes, open abdominal surgery affects core muscles. Back pain can come from a weaker core..PT is important for restoration of core strength/support.Good luck one and all.

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@lchop55 | @karentheo | Sep 21 2:03pm

@lchop
I too have Bertolotti syndrome, which has become a significant source of my pain. Did have a lateral fusion L2-L5, 5 yrs ago which is considered a failed surgery. The stenosis and the articulation was not addressed at all during this surgery. It seems to made the pain even worse. Unfortunately, I do have severe bilateral spinal stenosis through my entire spine, significantly at L4/5 along with bilateral neuropathy (knees to feet) as a result. All the arthritis and osteophytes do not help the pain. I'm trying to find a doctor who is familiar with and has treated bertolotti syndrome in the NYC area. Anyone know any surgeons who treat this? I must have seen at least 10 different neuro and orthopedic surgeons, however, not one has given me a potential solution. Any information would be greatly appreciated, as the pain has completely taken over my quality of life. Thank you.

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