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Whole Body Vibration treatment for back pain after 2 L4-L5 fusion ops

Posted by steveu75 @steveu75, Mar 19, 2023

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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Teri | @tsc | Mar 20, 2023

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:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvtHKCdqdKM
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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