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Spinal & SI Joint Fusions
Hi everyone,
I am looking to connect with anyone who has a complex spinal history and is managing adjacent segment issues or widespread joint overload.
My history spans several surgeries: I had a full thoracic spine fusion for scoliosis in 1990, a C6–C7 ACDF neck surgery in May 2025, and a right SI joint fusion in December 2025. I also have severe left shoulder osteoarthritis and a torn labrum (with a history of arthroscopic debridement in 2024), and I am facing an eventual total shoulder replacement.
I am exactly 10 months post-op from my SI joint fusion and am struggling significantly with mobility. I have severe stiffness when changing positions, a persistent limp that makes walking or shopping difficult, and pain concentrated in my lower back and along my right iliac crest. Between my lower back and my shoulder/neck flares, my sleep is deeply disrupted because no position provides lasting comfort.
My recent 2025 lumbar MRI shows multilevel moderate facet arthropathy at L3–S1 and levoscoliosis, but no spinal stenosis. It feels like my remaining open lower back joints are completely overloaded from absorbing the stress of my fused spine, especially since my compromised shoulders disrupt my natural balance when I walk.
Has anyone with a highly rigid spine and severe shoulder arthritis experienced this level of breakdown and limping? If you have tried lumbar facet injections, medial branch blocks, or Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), I would love to hear how it impacted your mobility.
Thank you so much for reading.
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@lchop
I had my spinal fusion, L2-5 for DDD. Unfortunately it failed. Not sure if it was the surgery itself or that all the other issues( severe stenosis combined with Bertolotti Syndrome) that were not addressed at all. My lumbar spine cracks like knuckles when I bend. Any walking is really painful which I attribute to the articulation at L5/S1. With multiple facet injections, nerve blocks and RFA at L3-L5. None worked! Adding osteoarthritis in hands, hip back and knees to the mix doesn't help. I live on Celebrex 200mg 2x daily, Extra strength Tylenol throughout the day and occasional tramadol which helps take the edge off only when necessary. Nothing really makes the pain away. What stinks is the relief is short lived and I'm hesitant to increase the tramadol. Moist heat and ice do give some additional relief. I've reconciled myself that this is my life going forward at 71 years old. Multiple surgeons haven't given the "fix" other than a complete fusion (L1-S1 which is prefaced with less than a 50% potential positive outcome. I wish you much luck as I relate to your chronic pain, fatigue and frustration. With all modern medicine tools and technics no two surgeons can give a diffinitive diagnosis and correction.
@karentheo Thank you so much for sharing your story. I’m sorry you have had to go through so much and are still dealing with chronic pain after everything you have tried. I think one of the hardest parts is exactly what you described—the frustration of going through procedures and treatments hoping for relief and still not having a clear answer or solution. Chronic pain can affect so much more than the part of the body that hurts. I truly appreciate your kind words and encouragement, and I wish you the very best as well. ❤️