Does heavy lifting trigger back pain and bowel issues at 51?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 51 years old. I have had six low back surgeries, including a fusion with hardware and screws. Today at work, I lifted something heavy and had a very sharp pain that brought me to my knees. Now I am losing control of my bladder and bowels, and the pain is very bad.

What could this be?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

If you are developing radicular pain and losing your bladder and bowel, then it is an emergency, and you need to quickly consult your spine surgeon. It could be due to some problem in the fusion segment or above that segment, which is called adjacent segment degeneration.

You need urgent surgery to decompress your spinal cord. I know it would be extremely mentally traumatic for you to get yourself cut again after six surgeries, but the situation demands that, and you need to fight it. Get yourself evaluated by a good spine surgeon and decide accordingly.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.