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What are people's experiences with spinal fusion surgery?
Spine Health | Last Active: 1 day ago | Replies (236)Comment receiving replies
Just an FYI, I had both lumbar and cervical fusions in late 2011, with titanium cages, screws, etc. It will still place more stress force above and below the fusion site, because the normal mobility of the spine is “lost” in those areas. I now have problems below my previous lumbar fusion and both above and below my neck fusion (it was two levels, my back was also 2 levels). It’s just a not unheard of “eventual” side effect...at this point, I tolerate it and have refused further major surgery (more fusion levels).
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Do any of you regret having fusions on back or neck? I've only had the one fusion of L4-5, and feel once I'm fully healed I can start living again. I'm wearing the back brace for another 2 months to protect the area. I do have neck pain, with similar issues in C5-6-7 area, and have SI joint and degenerative disc disease overall. I'm afraid that if I overdo activity, my pain down into my legs and feet will come back. They cleaned out alot of my bone spurs, arthritis during the fusion surgery, and the numbness and pain in my feet is almost gone. I'm reading these posts from everyone and worry I will do something to cause my pain to return. Thanks everyone for sharing of your experiences, it has been so helpful.