Hi Everyone:
I have two completely collapsed discs below my T2-L3 fusion. (My L3-4 disc height is OK, so it has probably auto-fused). However, my L4-5 and L5-S1 are collapsed, and I have been told I am bone on bone down there. This loss of disc height, or absence of discs, has caused a mild flatback, or loss of lumbar curve. I was told this is at about 20%. I should specify that although I had Harrington Rod surgery, the rods were contoured; I was not given a "Flatback" surgery.
My question is: does anyone know anything about auto-fusing? I can't find anything on the web or on this site about it. If I allow myself to auto-fuse, will my flatback stay as it is or worsen? I am already having a little bit of trouble standing up straight, but this is mostly because of the pain; when that's under control, I am able to stand up straight.
How does one see auto-fuse? It doesn't seem to show up on the MRI, but I am having a lumbar CT scan so hopefully it will show up on that.
After two years of HORRIFIC bone pain I have experienced a spontaneous reduction in pain; my nerve pain in my legs has GONE and bone pain is much less, so I'm wondering if my body has completed its auto-fuse? As I said in another post, I am deciding if I need surgery or if I should just leave things as they are. My worst pain is when I've been sitting for a few minutes and I try to stand up.
Any info or experience on all this would be much appreciated. Thank you,
I have two completely collapsed discs below my T2-L3 fusion. (My L3-4 disc height is OK, so it has probably auto-fused). However, my L4-5 and L5-S1 are collapsed, and I have been told I am bone on bone down there. This loss of disc height, or absence of discs, has caused a mild flatback, or loss of lumbar curve. I was told this is at about 20%. I should specify that although I had Harrington Rod surgery, the rods were contoured; I was not given a "Flatback" surgery.
My question is: does anyone know anything about auto-fusing? I can't find anything on the web or on this site about it. If I allow myself to auto-fuse, will my flatback stay as it is or worsen? I am already having a little bit of trouble standing up straight, but this is mostly because of the pain; when that's under control, I am able to stand up straight.
How does one see auto-fuse? It doesn't seem to show up on the MRI, but I am having a lumbar CT scan so hopefully it will show up on that.
After two years of HORRIFIC bone pain I have experienced a spontaneous reduction in pain; my nerve pain in my legs has GONE and bone pain is much less, so I'm wondering if my body has completed its auto-fuse? As I said in another post, I am deciding if I need surgery or if I should just leave things as they are. My worst pain is when I've been sitting for a few minutes and I try to stand up.
Any info or experience on all this would be much appreciated. Thank you,
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