Quote:
Originally Posted by Aging Spinal Fusion
I had a spinal fusion when I was 11 an year old girl. My doctor was Dr. DePalma and he performed the surgery at Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA. I was "stretched" prior to my operation and while on the stretching machine, a cast was placed around me. A hole was cut in the back of the cast for my spinal operation. I have scoliosis and my back bone is in the shape of an "S" . My spine was fused with a bone from each of my shins. I was in a body cast for 6 months - flat on my back - and a body brace for another 9 months which let me walk and sit. I am now 63 years old and have not had one single problem since that time. However, lately I have noticed that I am leaning toward the one side more and more and my hip seems to be rising on the one side. I was wondering if anyone had any experience with the same kind of fusion and/or trouble in adulthood? I have no pain, but I don't want to be leaning toward the side as I get older and older. I am thinking about contacting the Rothman Institute for some help, but would like to know if this has happened to anyone else out there. Thanks
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Before anyone consents to more surgery, may I make a suggestion? There is a gentle yet very effective chiropractic method called "network spinal analysis". If you went to a chiropractic doctor with this specific training they would test you to see if you could benefit from their treatments. They will be honest with you about it. It would sure be worth a try before doing more surgery.
For me it has been an effective treatment for a sacroiliac joint problem. I go because, in my job, I also do some lifting related to patient care. I need to keep my spine in excellent condition. I can always tell when I'm having some pain caused by improper lifting. After a few treatments, my spine corrects due to the treatments I've been having. Also helps my posture significantly. In talking with my chiropractic doctors, they have told me that many conditions - even ones that were caused by surgery - can benefit from their treatments. But, first, they emphasize they do need to do an exam, take a health/surgery history, and some tests in order to get an accurate diagnosis before they can know whether a patient can be successfully treated.
What concerns me is that I know three adult people who had surgery for spinal conditions....2 for scoliosis, one for a degenerative condition. One surgery was a couple years ago, one was 7 years ago, and one was 25 years ago. Their M.D.'s told them *only* surgery could help them. They specifically told each person chiropractic would not help them. Today, these people are not in good condition after the surgery. Two are on opiates for the lingering severe pain. Sharing because M.D.'s seem to have an ongoing feud with chiropractors. My experience with chiropractors has been very good. I know others whose experience has been good. They do help people tremendously. If I had a serious back condition, worse than the one I have now, my first choice would be to try chiro. first because surgery generally isn't reversible without more surgery. I encourage anyone considering back surgery to consider alternative treatment before consenting to surgery. I'm just not real enthusiastic about unnecessary surgery or prescription meds.
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