I had a scoliosis regenerative procedure (harrington rod) done when I was 15 (2001) to correct a 40 degree & 45 degree curvature.
Today, I'm 25, and I've experienced no complications at all up until last year, when I started feeling a large amount of pain in the lower lumbar, specifically my left side (the side of the curve). The pain was sharp and intense, and aggravated by long periods of sitting or driving. Removing stress off my spine (usually by laying down or simply standing up for a period) relieved the pain after some time. Walking for prolonged periods (particularly on uneven terrain) became incredibly painful, as well. I also discovered another symptom that was troubling -- when I reached down to pick something up and extended back upright, I could feel the vertabrae actually popping into place, as though one "feels" when someone pops your back or knuckles.
Needless to say, I was scared, so I called my stepfather (a surgeon himself), and he prescribed an MRI (I was in a position where I could afford it). In completing the MRI, it showed early onset arthritis & signs of degenerative discs.
From what I've read, I may be developing Flatback syndrome, and I'm wondering what to do about it and how costly (I no longer have insurance) and painful correcting it will be. I'm beginning to stoop forward more than normal, and in general, I feel "stiff" and am slow to regain uprightedness when I realize I'm stooping.
I've read that building a stronger core & increasing cardiovascular health is paramount, so I've taken to a regimen of running, but I'm having trouble developing a stronger core given my limited mobility (except for leg lifts).
I guess I'm looking for general advice about where to go from here.
Thanks,
Matt
Today, I'm 25, and I've experienced no complications at all up until last year, when I started feeling a large amount of pain in the lower lumbar, specifically my left side (the side of the curve). The pain was sharp and intense, and aggravated by long periods of sitting or driving. Removing stress off my spine (usually by laying down or simply standing up for a period) relieved the pain after some time. Walking for prolonged periods (particularly on uneven terrain) became incredibly painful, as well. I also discovered another symptom that was troubling -- when I reached down to pick something up and extended back upright, I could feel the vertabrae actually popping into place, as though one "feels" when someone pops your back or knuckles.
Needless to say, I was scared, so I called my stepfather (a surgeon himself), and he prescribed an MRI (I was in a position where I could afford it). In completing the MRI, it showed early onset arthritis & signs of degenerative discs.
From what I've read, I may be developing Flatback syndrome, and I'm wondering what to do about it and how costly (I no longer have insurance) and painful correcting it will be. I'm beginning to stoop forward more than normal, and in general, I feel "stiff" and am slow to regain uprightedness when I realize I'm stooping.
I've read that building a stronger core & increasing cardiovascular health is paramount, so I've taken to a regimen of running, but I'm having trouble developing a stronger core given my limited mobility (except for leg lifts).
I guess I'm looking for general advice about where to go from here.
Thanks,
Matt
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