Has this happened to anyone

[Cina2005]

I've just gone 2 months post-op.

My back seems to crack on a daily basis. I dont know if i shoukd worry about it or not.

I go and see my doctor in a couple of weeks.

[ge628]

I can't believe that you said this... I had revision surgery in March 2007, prior to this date, when I had my harrington rod in my back from my first surgery in 1980, my back NEVER cracked...

After my 2 surgeries in March, my back cracks constantly!!!! I mentioned this to my doctor a few times now, and he said that he never heard this before... But the answer is def. yes for me!!!

Gina

[sccrm08]

I also feel as my back cracks, but it has gotten better. It usually happens when i'm lying flat and try to stretch my body out.

[Cina2005]

My back seems to crack when I'm actually standing or walking not lying down. I had my op back in July. I'll run it past my doctor and see what he says

[bac54]

I experienced loud, occasionally painful cracking constantly for several months, usually when I was sitting down at the computer or watching TV. I had my surgery back in 1967 and 1970 with one Harrington Rod, and never had any cracking before. The problem began after I had an accident last December, and the cracking sounds continued for about 3 - 4 months and gradually subsided. In my case, a combination daily supplement of Glucosamine/Chondroitin helped alot (Dr. Theo's AvoSoy Complete), along with a fish oil supplement.

Bonnie

[nzgirl]

Cina, maybe you should phone your doctor ahead of time if you're worried, it's better not to have to sit and wait.

[redbuckeye]

I had corrective surgery done 24 years ago. In fact, they did it 3 times because of complications. (rod would pivot because my spine was more flexible than anticipated and then the rod removed after the bottom hook came lose). Anyway, I now am having a lot of back pain and stiffness. Also, my back cracks all of the time.(sort of like cracking your knuckles). The orthopedic surgeon that I saw said my pain and the "cracking" is because I have severe arthritis. He then proceeded to tell me that I need to quit my job! Does anyone know if standing on your feet all day will cause arthritis to progress faster? I can deal with the pain as long as I know I am not doing more damage. Boy, they never tell you about the arthritis you will develope years after surgery.

[Cina2005]

I read it up on the internet that anyone who has this type of surgery (placement of rods) will get arthritis. I'm only 20 and almost 3 months post-op. I was never told that it'd get it until i asked an orthopedic doctor about it. My back hasn't cracked for about 3 weeks now. I was kinda scared that a rod had broken or something

[txmarinemom]

I was finally forced to drive today (LOL ... I had too much crap to buy to carry home walking). Went fine.

Anyway, the weirdest thing happened about halfway through my errands: I got out on the road, leaned back against the seat (not at ALL hard) and *craaaaaaaaaaaaack* right in the fusion area. I mean like a normal back crack on a definitely NOT normal (anymore) back!

Actually felt kind of good, and left no lingering soreness.

I called Hanson's office a few times but kept missing Pete - and before I knew it, it was after 5:00 p.m.

Anyone have an idea what causes this, and how it's even possible?

Regards,
Pam

[sccrm08]

I have no idea what causes it, but I did have the same thing happen and it freaked me out every time it cracked. I was so scared but have had many x-rays and everything seems to be fine.

[txmarinemom]

I called Hanson's office and talked to Lisa (he was out).

She confirmed lots of patients have had this happen, and it's most likely no issue if it didn't/doesn't hurt (it's fine today ... no soreness). She's going to ask him and call me back.

I'm more curious what causes it, and how that area could possibly feel like a normal back crack! ;-)

Regards,
Pam

[txmarinemom]

At least in my case (no pain when it cracked ... no residual soreness), my surgeon suspects it was the sound/feel of a muscle dragging across the hardware.

Sounds *far* more creepy than how it felt - LOL!

Regards,
Pam