Immobilizing the part of the vertebrae causing pain helps relieve symptoms related to back pain. In spinal fusion surgery, parts of the spine that cause pain due to arthritis, degeneration, stenosis, fracture, spondylolisthesis, scoliosis, etc., are fused and immobilized. They do not limit motion, but they control hyper-flexible areas and limit their flexibility.
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Can I perform all the physical activities normally after spinal fusion surgery?
Query: Hello doctor, It has been roughly a year since my spinal fusion surgery involving T8, T9, T10 vertebrae. Approximately three months after the procedure, my fusion had completely healed and formed a solid fusion. Today, I visited the doctor for my yearly X-ray, and he confirmed that everything still ... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I read your query and understood your concern. You have undergone spinal fusion surgery, and based on the reports you have attached (attachment removed to protect patient's identity), the surgical site seems to be healed well. In your case, lifting heavy weights should... Read Full »
How long does spinal self fusion take?
Query: Hi doctor, I have constant low back pain. The pain is radiating from the lower back to the buttocks and both legs. There is a tingling sensation after exercise and walking. Before five years, I had a bad episode of back pain with sciatica. I was told that it was a slipped disc but did not get a scan... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Regarding the time required for fusion, it is highly variable and thus tough to say. I need to explain here that this process is usually a very slow one and occurs irregularly. For example, it can proceed 5 % for a month and then stop. After a couple of days or months, ... Read Full »
Even after my spinal fusion surgery, I have leg pain. Why?
Query: Hello doctor, I had L5 to S1 fusion a year ago, and I am still experiencing a dull, diffuse ache in my right leg, intermittent tingling and numbness, and more intense pain in my right foot. But my doctor keeps telling me that it takes time for nerves to heal, but this pain is similar to prior surge... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Nerve healing could be painful, but the pain you described is due to nerve compression, and not from healing nerves. A new MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) study is required. I strongly advise taking some medications like Vitamin B 12 capsules, tablet Duloxetine (Dul... Read Full »
Why do I have throbbing and burning pain down the thigh even after spinal fusion surgery?
Query: Hi doctor,I had L4-L5, and L5-S1 fused six years back and had right sacroiliac joint fusion four years ago. But, the pain persisted. I also had labral tear repair, gluteus medius and minimus, and bursectomy two years back, and still, the pain persisted. Now, five weeks post revision surgery of previ... Read Full »
Answer: Hi,Welcome to icliniq.com.I understand your concern. The computed tomography (CT) scan for the thigh is unlikely to be helpful as only bony anatomy is well evaluated, and only minimal soft tissue and nerve fiber anatomy are visualized. Regarding the screws being near the sciatic nerve, that could be... Read Full »
Are leg pain, burning sensation and numbness in feet post fusion surgery be due to arachnoiditis?
Query: Hello doctor, Four months post fusion surgery, I am having bilateral leg pain, burning sensations in legs down to feet, and nerve-like jolts in the left leg and numbness in toes and bottom feet. Wondering possibly arachnoiditis? Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Spine and lower back surgery is a procedure that can have variable post operative outcomes. It is found that in approximately 40 percent of patients, the symptoms are completely relieved after surgery. In another 40 percent, the symptoms might show mild improvement. ... Read Full »
Are signs and symptoms vital for surgical correction of cervical stenosis?
Query: Hello doctor, I am 51 years old. I have been diagnosed with very severe cervical stenosis. I currently have no neurological deficits or pain. However, I have intermittent light numbness and tingling to the head and neck. I am curious if I have more options. My imaging results are as follows: 1) Si... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to iclinq.com. First of all, there is multi-level stenosis in radiology. And regarding the decision about surgery, we have to look at both radiology and patient clinical symptoms. At this moment, your radiology (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity) shows a problem, bu... Read Full »
When shall I resume to normal workout and sports activities after fusion of T8-T10?
Query: Hi doctor, I had a spinal fusion done from T8-T10 about four months ago. The doctor says that I am pretty much healed and can assume regular activities. My questions are, since that area (T8-T10) is not that mobile, would I be able to run, jump, play tennis, etc, in a year's time compared to a fus... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I can understand your concern. According to your statement, you had a spinal fusion surgery done from T8-T10 four months back and your query is about your abilities to perform strenuous activities after one year from the time of your operation. Actually, it will dep... Read Full »
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