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Whole Body Vibration treatment for back pain after 2 L4-L5 fusion ops
I am almost a year out from my second back fusion surgery. The first one did not take as the cage settled.
During the second operation, they used additional hardware and bigger screws.
A bone density test determine that I have the bones of an 80-year-old woman even though I am a 71 year old man.
I was diagnosed with osteoporosis. I am taking daily shots of Terapiptide. I am also taking additional vitamin D and calcium.
I had high hopes after the second surgery, but I am still in a fair amount of pain. The pain is focused over my right pocket at the belt line and it’s worse with extended walking.
My wife purchased a vibraplate based on her experience trying it at a chiropractors, and how much it helped her ballet.
I was thinking of starting to do 2 20min sessions a day.
Has anybody had any luck with whole body vibration or do you feel that it might be dangerous?
The doctors are at a loss to explain exactly where the pain is coming from
I am open to any other suggestions on how to relieve the pain.
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Hi @steveu75,
There are two different type of vibration exercisers, high intensity and low intensity. The high intensity vibration plate exercisers can pose problems to those with frail bones. Margaret Martin, a physical therapist who specializes in osteoporosis, has posted in depth information about this. Here is a link to her discussion. After viewing it, I decided not to use the Eilison Bolt Vibration Plate Exerciser I had purchased from Amazon:
She's updated this report with one about the Low Intensity Vibration exerciser:
https://melioguide.com/osteoporosis-exercise-equipment/marodyne-liv-review/
Another good resource for building bone strength is Dr. Loren Fishman, Columbia University School of Medicine. He has studies ongoing and developed a series of yoga poses that build bone density and there are adaptive poses for those with osteoporosis. His program is 12 Poses vs Osteoporosis and you can google that plus his work at http://www.sciataca.org
Sara Meeks is a physical therapist well known for her work on osteoporosis. You can Google her as well. She also endorses the Low Intensity Vibration exerciser.
It's always best to check with your physician before starting any program.
I wish you the best.
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13 Reactions@tsc
Thank you for the resources. Do you use a vibration plate?
Hi @patwerthman,
I was using a high intensity vibration plate, but after I read Margaret Martin's comments that it could cause fractures, I gave it away. I didn't purchase a low intensity vibration plate as they are quite expensive and they don't work on carpeting.
I took a break, but resumed Dr. Fishman's Yoga, 12 Poses vs Osteoporosis. He started something new - dividing the 12 poses into two sets of six and doing them six hours apart, for what he thinks will double the gains in bone density. His program is inexpensive, adaptable to different levels of ability, and relatively quick to perform the 12 or six poses.
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3 ReactionsShock wave Therapy ( radial and/or focused) may be considered
I have and regularly use the low intensity vibration plate discussed in Margaret Martin’s video and I love it!! My fractures are nicely healed and I still walk 6 miles a day!
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1 Reaction@tsc low intensity vibration plate sounds safer
It’s troubling when different suggestions are given that seem unsafe.
In presentations on bone health, exercise instructors, & some health care professionals I have heard/was told to not twist, avoid falls -(well of course no one tries to fall) jumping on a trampoline, …. To hear others suggest what seems like risky behavior or moves or machines-confusing. Common sense seems more appropriate.
@patwerthman, I also think it depends on the person's level of fitness, frailty, etc. I don't do anything I think will be too taxing for my body to handle or that I'm not comfortable doing.
Dr. Fishman has some twists in his yoga routine. He has explained why they're beneficial in response to the criticism he's received from those who say no twisting. I've been doing them for years without problems. His program is also adaptive - there are three variations of the same pose, based on a person's abilities.
I've also used a rebounder. My doctor suggested this. I don't do anything wild on it, just gentle aerobic routines.