When Can I Bend Again After Spine Surgery? | Backbones Podcast

Comments · 79

• MA

  @Mary-ji4dc · 5 hours ago

  I just had back surgery and it has been 8 weeks and I still can’t twist, lift or bend.

• CA

  @CandidaBrahier · 13 days ago

  I'm just going to rest more ty

  1

• UC

  @ucfnathan · 5 months ago

  good episode! i like the q&a format!

  6

• TI

  @TimothyMartin-u6d · 2 weeks ago

  You can bend when your doctor tells you you can bend, or when the fusion has actually taken place, which takes about 6 months to a year.

  1

• CA

  @CandidaBrahier · 12 days ago

  I had a fusion done

• AL

  @ALIFOUAD71 · 5 days ago

  My l5-s1 is almost completely collapsed, I dont think I have anything to lose if I do fusion with a cage that restores proper alignment

• AP

  @apriltiniaclemmons6029 · 1 month ago

  Going through almost the same issues. L3,4,and 5. I was during fine. Had the healing pain alone. Had physical therapy and couldn’t continue, I was in too much pain. That was November 15th. Having pain in the opposite direction side still low back about 70% of the time. My cervicis now extreme pain with tons of stenosis .my left arm has pain, numbness,and tingling down to my finger tips. I had steroid injection yesterday. Goal is to take it slow and easy and pray for healing. As for anyone else suffering from the related issues I’m praying for you . Let’s heal🙏🏾💜

  3

• NA

  @natalialicenko2262 · 1 month ago

  Almost ten years ago, I underwent spinal decompression and fusion surgery at the L4–S1 level. A week later, a complication arose: a cerebrospinal fluid leak. Not knowing why fluid was seeping from the wound or the cause of the excruciating headache—centered between my eyes near the bridge of my nose—we went to the emergency room. Emergency repair surgery was performed, and a blood transfusion was also required. The anesthesia triggered an emotional breakdown—specifically, what is known as postoperative delirium. This was followed by physical therapy and withdrawal symptoms after prolonged use of prescribed opioids, as they were dispensed much more freely back then than they are today.<br>And because I suffered a heart attack while awaiting surgery, the procedure had to be postponed for another six months—which meant six additional months of using prescription narcotic painkillers.<br> Next week, I have another surgery coming up.<br>It will be the whole process all over again, with an additional procedure at the L3–L4 level due to severe stenosis that had developed there, bringing with it all the associated painful and debilitating consequences. I don&apos;t usually feel a strong sense of fear or nervousness before surgeries. But this time, I do. It’s probably because I’ve been through this before and know how difficult it is—especially the recovery period: showering, getting dressed, and so on.<br>And also because the surgeon warned me that it’s a very serious operation, since the old hardware needs to be removed and replaced with new hardware, plus additional hardware needs to be added.<br>But there is no other option. Neither physical therapy nor painkillers—nothing helped. Continuing to live with the unbearable pain of neurogenic claudication is not an option.<br> Why am I describing this? For those who have already undergone a similar operation and for those facing one: everything is in God’s hands. And, of course, in the hands of the surgeon and his/her team, as well as the postoperative care provided by the medical staff, who, unfortunately, are not always caring and compassionate.You also need support —primarily moral and emotional—from those who will be helping you in the period immediately following the surgery. It is important to remember that things are not easy for them, either. Therefore, you must make every effort yourself to ensure a speedy recovery. And you must bear in mind that nothing will ever be quite the same again—referring, of course, to life before your back condition.<br>You need to accept this and learn to live with it.

  3

• SH

  @shakssyed8194 · 1 month ago

  Hey, thats a great pod, thank u for all the info shared. <br>I&apos;ve had a L3,4,5 fusion a 100 days now. I had a left foot drop just 3-4 days before the surgery, probably one reason I did it. Haven&apos;t had any issues at the surgical site or the fusion behind it though 1 side bk muscle aches whenever I retrieve myself after bending. <br>But, there is one invisible complication from day 1 - I&apos;ve had numbness in the saddle area &amp; starting behind my left leg all the way down to the tip of my big toe. All my passing is in control from day 1, though I hardly feel it, no issues there. This numbness esp in my sole, I feel like I&apos;ve got a wood piece attached under so unable to keep my balance. <br>Another issue is my left foot has lost the ability to propel, sm muscle not sure which one isn&apos;t doing its job, probably its numb too. Now, due to this propulsion &amp; numbness combination, I can walk but can&apos;t catch speed, so can&apos;t cross roads quickly, can&apos;t run, can&apos;t jump - living life in slow motion which is really tiring me down. I&apos;ve researched for answers everywhere n haven&apos;t got any. My surgeon says it&apos;ll go, just keep walking n be normal, no technical explanation given why this happ post surgery. Looks like I&apos;ve exchanged a bigger pain for a life in slo mo. :( The good news is the fusion itself seems to be doing fine till now as have no older pains. <br>Anybody experienced this n their recovery story or any advice from anyone who&apos;s reading this, I&apos;d be really grateful. Feel free to ask questions. <br>Happy life to all the folks here and my prayers to all of those who&apos;ve not had things go well. Tk cr.

• MU

  @Multitoolstein · 5 months ago

  Why is it that i still battle to walk up straight 2 years after have screws and pins inserted for skoliosis?

  2

• CA

  @CandidaBrahier · 12 days ago

  After 8 surgeries on my I&apos;m not ok... scary because my pain is horrible

• CA

  @CandidaBrahier · 13 days ago

  Just getting over back surgery..I want to ask why does it hurt me when I&apos;m sleeping the most how should I get comfortable when I&apos;m sleeping this is exhausting 😢 honestly