Spondylothesis

[deluccas]

I have been diagnosed with having spondylothesis. I developed this after a laminectomy and fusion of L4 and L5 and S1. I have constant hip pain and leg pain. Emg shows no nerve being pinched but I feel the instability of my vertabrae is causing problems. Is there anyone out there that has had surgery for this condition? Also any good Doctors in NE PA?

[deluccas]

59 People viewed this post and not one comment. What's with that??

[kpsrza]

I can relate. I had a fusion of L5-S1 which failed was refused about three years ago. Now I have increased pain and had a CT which showed Spondylothesis. I see the surgeon tomorrow but have been told by others there is nothing that can be done since there is no nerve impingement. I am not thrilled at the thought of living in pain.

[deluccas]

WEll good luck at the surgeon. You are absolutely correct when you say that the will not operate if there is no nerve impingement. I have started to go to the chiropractor and it has helped so much! I didn't think that I could go to one but I can. My pelvis was out of position causing me to walk unlevel. This leads to hip and SI joint pain. I can't tell you how many pain management shots I have had and nothing helped until now. I would never believe that a chiro could help. Let me know what the surgeon tells you. Thanks for responding!

[kpsrza]

I was told that a chiropractor would not even touch me as my back is a mess. While there is no nerve impingement I have severe thigh and back pain. I must say I am completely frustrated that once again I feel like I will be dismissed. I am glad to hear that the chiropractor is helping you. While I don't want surgery again, something has to give at this point the pain is getting to be a bit debilitating. I know once before there was really no great nerve impingement on my CT scan but when the surgeon went in (because I was not fused) there was alot of impingement on nerves that were not even looked at on the CT. Anyway, this probably has not made much sense but I hope it has in a way. I will let you know what the surgeon says.

[deluccas]

I know that sometimes thing don't show on the tests. An EMG test show more about nerve impingement. Have you had one of these? Don't rule a chiro. Make sure you go to a highly recommmended one and I'm sure they will tell you if they can help. He doesn't adjust were you have surgery. I know what you mean about being debilatating. I could not walk at all or even stand up straight. Let me know what happens.

[kpsrza]

I had an EMG before my last surgery when they were working me up for a spinal cord stimulator. It should I had severe nerve damage. I go this afternoon to the surgeon so I guess I will see what he says. He has not officially given me any diagnosis as I picked up my CT/myelogram report because I could not wait. I guess I am a bit impatient.

[Unregistered]

Hi There
I suffered lower back pain and pain in my glute muscles. I went to a Chiro for 3 months 3 times a week before he finally sent me to another chiro for a second opinion. He then sent me to a specialist who finally sent me for xrays which revealed my spine had slipped 20ml forward and diagnosed spondylothesis.
I was unable to do even do grocery shopping and my entire lifestyle as I knew it changed.
For 12 months I went from specialist to specialist tried physios, steriods and then finally they told me we'll try and epidural and if that doesnt work we'll operate. I was devistated and under no circumstances wanted back surgery at 30yrs old with no children yet and in the peak of my career no way.
Finally I was referred to and Exercise Physiologist - I'd never heard of them before. They combine physio with muscle strengthening exercises. I went twice a week for 12 months and did the exercises at home to. With commitment and dedication my muscles are now strong enough to support my spine slippage. I can now walk, jog, ride a bike and recently started dancing classes and aerobics at the gym. I appreciate every step I take without pain and now focus purley on my commitment to maintaining these muscles and strength. Ive been advised that theres nothing a chiro can do for me as my pain which whilst it derived from the bone structure is based on muscle and not fixing the bones as without surgery the bones cant be fixed.
All I can tell you is that 2 years ago I couldnt walk 500 meters without pain. I worked with the muscles I have, strengthened them and now I feel cured. It's absolutley unbelievable and to this day I wish my chiro sent me for xrays sooner to diagnoise me sooner so I could have gotten on with my life sooner.
Really though if it's working for you stay with it anything to relieve the pain. Be sure though to check out these exercise physiologists a good ones worth their weight in gold.
Tammy ****

[Unregistered - Chandi]

Hi Guys,

I came across this and what's interesting is I've neva had any back ops, just a hard fall in dancing...it took how many xrays to pick the spondylothesis up...chiropractors really helped, as well as doing exercises to strengthen the supporting muscles...but the pain, i know exactly what you mean...

[deluccas]

Thanks everyone for responding.

Tammy - where do I find an exercise physiologist?