Rods and running

[mocity]

I am currently 34 years old. I wore the milwalkee back brace from 4th grade through 8th grade. I had/have 2 curves (an S curve). These curves continued to worsen and I had the sugery to install the harrington rods and spinal fusion in 1989. Over the past two years I have been having increased pain and stiffness in my back and neck. At times my right hip with hurt so bad and my hip/leg will numb. I am going to the doc in December.

I have gained about 20 pounds the last two years. My questions are whether this is just "normal" back pain as I age or possibly due to the weight gain. Also, I am exercising trying to lose the weight (it isn't working) and I am wondering if the running (on a treadmill) is causing some of the pain.

Anyone else in a similar situation?

[SandyC]

Mocity,
It is possible that you have developed "flatback syndrome" due to the old Harringtons. I would not consider 30 old, but the 20 lbs may be affecting your back. I would seek out a ortho that deals with adult scoli patients. I would ask your doc in Decmember how much experience he has with adult scoli patients. If he doesn't I would ask him/her for the name of someone who does deal with adults.

[Gail]

Hi Mocity,

I have titanium rods, but my doctor told me I was not allowed to run. I hope you find the source of your problem soon.

Kindest Regards,
Gail

[LindaRacine]

Hi...

I agree with Sandy, but would actually take it a step further, and recommend that you try to find someone who has a lot of experience in treating people with prior long fusions. If you find someone who doesn't have a lot of experience, you have a big chance of being told that there's nothing that can be done. I don't know anyone in Houston, but Mike LaGrone in Amarillo is about as good as you can get anywhere in the world.

Regards,
Linda

[sweetness514]

I agree with most of everybody has said. Weight is not helping, and running when there is some hip pain isn't helping either. As far as the stiffness in the neck I believe I did reply another time about how the fusion does cause stress in that area(as the lumbar), and gentle PT exercises, acupuncture and massages have been helping me, as my neck causes me the same types of pains.

Maybe you can try to do other types of exercises, like walking, swimming, etc, without putting too much stress on your spine, like you do with running, at least for now.