The Problem with Fusing Your Spine- Back or Neck

The Problem with Fusing Your Spine- Back or Neck

Bob and Brad discuss a common problem with back or neck fusion.

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[stitch]

my back surgery was a very big mistake. woke up and realized it went wrong. loss the use of my left leg. about 75 percent. leg brace. on total disability.. plus other issues..my surgery was in 2003.. God bless everyone here.. Amen.. p.s. you found out who your true friends family are..

[deniwest]

Had c-4, c-5, c6 grafted and fused after being rear ended in 2003. It hasn't been easy but I was facing imminent quadriplegia without the surgery. I'm grateful because I still am active and have had a pretty good life.

[carolinejohnson]

I had a spinal fusion in 2010 as a freshman in high school for scoliosis. Surgeon said a brace wasn’t a good option because of how quickly the curves were progressing. Before my surgery I had no pain. In the last 4-5 years my back pain has gotten so bad that I have daily pain. My upper back, shoulders, and neck muscles are constantly tight and I get shooting pains in my shoulders. I’ve been to physical therapy and chiropractors but I just can’t afford to go very often. I do stretches at home but I’m scared I’ll have this back pain for the rest of my life.

[kittymervine]

my doctor when I was a teenager, decided not to fuse my spine and such for scoliosis. It was a rather bold decision, but he said he felt I would do as well as anyone else. I will say, as I have aged I do have arthritis now, but my cousins with the scoliosis rods and such.. are having a lot more problems than I am. Rods break, part of the back has to do more of the work....they are a bit taller than I am, but, today the decision to not do surgery is far more common.

[susaneirthug]

I'm screwed. Prognosis "poor" and had this very surgery . 2 levels that were surgical nightmares . So 4 yrs later and hardware out, bone graft, and T1 clamped into the previous... Little better but C1&C2 are unrecognizable. Thanks for info.. I wish I could've done disc replacement, you have to have substantial$ for insurance. I hope soon Stem Cell and other treatment will be avail to all and be the norm. So sad how many in pain there are. My advice, walk, swim rest.

[HighTen_Melanie]

Anyone else watching while in agony with their back? 😢

[karenk]

Thank you. I fractured my spine 2 years ago in a snowmobile accident. Having a fusion was a better choice than paralysis. Since the accident, I have done a lot of research on spine health. I had lengthy conversations with my doctor, my PT, and followed people like you( PT, chiropractors, exercise specialists). I have changed everything I can to be as a healthy as possible. A regular exercise program, daily stretching, and a plant based diet. I feel better and younger than before the accident.

[shannonmiller]

I definitely disagree. I am now exactly one year post from a multilevel fusion. I was in such bad shape before and did years of PT with no progress. Nothing helped until I got my fusion. Within two weeks of my lumbar fusion, I was a totally different person. I am feeling so much better and pray that this continues! Don't be afraid of a fusion if you REALLY NEED ONE!!!!

[markiusgalfordii]

I have tried everything and this is the last step is the surgery for me. I'm losing feeling in both arms and legs. Can barely walk

[Suehuskins]

Yes! Fusion in 94?, no relief, spinal cord stim in my spinal canal was the BEST thing ever but it quit after about 8 years (it’s still there, minus wires) and had to get a spinal cord stimulator percutaneously, and it is not as good, but better then nothing, or another fusion. I do think every time I do something I shouldn’t that it will be my last day walking when pain is so bad!

[ACPitt]

U guys are so kind and amazing. THANK U, for all that u do for us. Love u guys. Watching since u guys started. We used to be less than 10000 subscribers n look now. Congrats. 🍾

[Jess-xlwd]

I wish I saw this video years ago. I had a 5 level fusion 6 years ago following the diagnosis of congenital fusion. Long story short, I had a spinal cord stimulator placed 2-3 years ago. For a grand total of 4 spinal surgeries that opened up all of the 5 level 4 times! I'm now disabled and am barely functioning on my own daily living activities. I'm also a mom, before all the surgeries. It's so hard to keep up with chronic pain. Now the surgeons want to add 2 and make it a 7 level.

[Ovp]

7 years ago, due to Spondylolisthesis, I also had a discectomy and laminectomy with a two level fusion at L2 and L3 including 6 deck screws and retaining hardware inserted in my spine to stabilize the vertebrae initially and "bone putty" to start the fusion. All went well and fused up nicely albeit with a little pain I learned to live with since. Unfortunately now, 7 years later, I have exactly what Bob and Brad are talking about in this video. I have a protruding disk ONE LEVEL DOWN causing frequent back pain and often intense sciatica pain in my left hip and groin area which my doctor says was caused from the first fusion surgery 7 years prior. I've had two Epidurals in 6 weeks that have not helped and will start therapy tomorrow. If that doesn't eventually help my surgeon tells me I will again need another fusion surgery including this time adding a cage, or "spacer" between the vertebrae once the protruding disk is removed. I would not look forward to all that once again but may have no choice if therapy fails.

[vannessadawson]

Thank you, my doctor was angry that I ask questions and ask to see my MRI image. He was saying, this makes me think you are changing your mind! 3 neck surgeries and 2 was with him. Never again!

[WysteriaGuitar]

Just got back from doc. He said I need fusion C5/C6 and C6/C7. I asked about disk replacement instead or some other procedure and he said "that would not work..." but would not elaborate. This guy is 62 and I am guessing does not have the experience to do the newer procedures. Going to another surgeon who specializes in minimally invasive surgery for a second opinion. My main concern about fusion is not only loss of motion but that it will affect my swallowing and voice. I am a singer.

[dumolebob]

Good explanation of what happens over time. Often fusion is all one can do. So how can one stretch out the time, exercise? Avoid certain things, like vacuuming? Lifting heavy weights? Reaching, twisting & bending? How 'bout some pointers.

[christinepearson]

I had a laminectomy in July of 2019 for my lumbar spine at L5 S1 and did my physical therapy went back to work to early I think, I got progressively worse my leg pain never went away. So more MRI’s and scans to find out I needed a Spinal fusion so I had that in June of 2020. And I’m in more pain now than ever. Fast forward to now 3 years after my fusion and no change when my body gets use to my meds they get up my dosage. Fun times Don’t get a Spinal

[spinewrenched]

I have bad kyphosis and bad scoliosis. After 3 back surgeries and the doctors being worried I would lose use of my legs I got fused from s1 to t2. 20 hours of surgery! Basically the bottom of the neck down. I did ok for 2 years. Now everything is locked up and I can barely move. The constant pain is a nightmare!!

[dangremillion]

If your back is unstable (spondylolithesis) or you have scoliosis and have to have surgery for osteo or disc disease you must have a fusion. Afterwards take it easy and stay upright; limited bending and twisting and you will do fine. You could also wear a brace.

[johnmitchell]

I had lower back fused my left foot went numb then back started hurting couldnt sit, then, then i started getting bad headaches and dizziness i was bouncing off the walls after getting out of bed in the mornig, so i hadbto get the neck fused i have degenerative disc disese.Trust me when i say most times a fusion will not eliminate your pain, its a must most of the times if you have dried up discs like me