Question 1

why am i having major popping and large cracking throughout my t2-l1 spinal fusion? it feels different then soft tissue catching on the screws like more in the vertebrae joints in my 11 spine levels that i had surgery on. is this failed fusion?

Accepted Answer

: This is an important question for your surgeon to answer .

Question 2

i'm had a spinal fusion surgery for scoliosis and kyphosis  from t2 - l1 and i'm experiencing a large amount of popping and cracking in like all the levels of my fused spine with pedicle screw pain. do i have a failed fusion screw loosening?

Accepted Answer

: You should follow up with your spinal surgeon so that he/she can examine you and diagnosis why you are having these symptoms. You may need x-rays to see what the fusion and hardware look like. So, call your spinal surgeon and get an appointment as soon as possible. Best of luck to you!!

Question 3

should i get the hardware out of my back after spinal fusion?

Accepted Answer

Usually not: Occasionally, spinal instrumentation may be prominent in someone very thin and may cause pain only due to direct pressure.  Otherwise, unless necessary to control a postoperatve infection , it can be left ib place with no issues retaining it.

Question 4

how straight could my back be after spinal fusion?

Accepted Answer

Depends: The outcome of a spinal fusion can be related to the re-alignment of the spine in what we consider sagittal and coronal planes. Spinal deformity surgery aims to maintain balance while correcting curvature and rotation to more "normal" parameters. Perfectly straight back alignment may not be as good as a well-balanced reconstruction. Speak with your surgeon about what to expect.

Question 5

is there anyway to proper squat form back after having a spinal fusion, my form has suffered since i was released to lift again and i was curious ?

Accepted Answer

Check with doctor: Sounds iffy at best to me.  How much weight are you intending on squatting after spinal fusion?  Usually procedures like that are career ending for lifters who do crazy heavy weights.  If you're not into THAT kind of lifting then, find out from your doctor.  At the very least you need to always be wearing a belt.  Good luck.

Question 6

how should i know if the spinal fusion in my back has failed?

Accepted Answer

If you had a spinal: Fusion for pain and the pain persists, that may be an indication.  If you are a  smoker, there is a good chance that fusion may not have occurred.  A ct scan done after 12 months postop ( it can take a year for a fusion to heal) done with 2 mm axial cuts and then reconstructed in sagittal & coronal planes is the best way to image a fusion but no one study gives 100% proof of a fusion.

Question 7

i had a spinal fusion a few years ago. do i ever need to go back and have the screws checked? or do they stay in place forever?

Accepted Answer

Yes: You should contact your surgeon and find out when he/she would like to see you.  It is important to have follow-up to assess the fusion and make sure the screws/rods are intact.

Question 8

is it dangerous to crack your back if you've had a spinal fusion?

Accepted Answer

Probably: I do not recommend cracking your back, or having manipulative treatments, particularly after a spinal fusion. A fusion permanently stiffens the segment(s) where there was pain generating pathology. There is always the possibility of a breakdown in the integrity of the adjacent spinal segments, and such techniques would cause more stress at these areas of future risk.

Question 9

how is life like after having a lumbar spinal fusion surgery?

Accepted Answer

Assuming that you : Are fused ; rehabilitated just avoid activities that involve combined repetitive flexion ; rotation ie.Racquet sports ; golf.  Heavy contact sports are not advisable like rugby or tackle football. If asking in post op period, this is dependent on type and extent of fusion as well as your health/ conditioning including your diagnosis----your surgeon will guide you.  Otherwise your life should be ok.

Question 10

i had a spinal fusion 1997, which left me w/a burning pain in my left abdomem & back?

Accepted Answer

Possible: A twig of nerve can be entrapped/ damaged during the procedure, scar tissue contraction can do it latter. See pain specialist for a nerve block.

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Doctor answers about:

Cracking your back after spinal fusion

A member asked:

Why am i having major popping and large cracking throughout my t2-l1 spinal fusion? it feels different then soft tissue catching on the screws like more in the vertebrae joints in my 11 spine levels that i had surgery on. is this failed fusion?

A member asked:

I'm had a spinal fusion surgery for scoliosis and kyphosis from t2 - l1 and i'm experiencing a large amount of popping and cracking in like all the levels of my fused spine with pedicle screw pain. do i have a failed fusion screw loosening?

A member asked:

Should i get the hardware out of my back after spinal fusion?

A member asked:

How straight could my back be after spinal fusion?

A member asked:

Is there anyway to proper squat form back after having a spinal fusion, my form has suffered since i was released to lift again and i was curious ?

A member asked:

How should i know if the spinal fusion in my back has failed?

A member asked:

I had a spinal fusion a few years ago. do i ever need to go back and have the screws checked? or do they stay in place forever?

A member asked:

Is it dangerous to crack your back if you've had a spinal fusion?

A member asked:

How is life like after having a lumbar spinal fusion surgery?

A member asked:

I had a spinal fusion 1997, which left me w/a burning pain in my left abdomem & back?

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