Hello,
I had my surgery in 1990 at the age of 12 and had two harrington rods put in from T4-L3. I am now 28 years old and lead a pretty active lifestyle with yoga, and pilates (there are a few exercises I can't do since my spine moves as one unit from t4-l3, making spine fluction impossible). Recently I went to a chiropractor to deal with some upper back and neck pain since I carry most of my stress up there, He suggested since I am young and healthy, I should think about getting my rods removed, stating Harrington rods were not meant to be left in, since they were placed there only to help support the spine during my growth spurt. He also mentioned the "use it or lose it" saying, meaning that the muscles in the part of my spine haven't really been working since the rod have been there which means they are probably atrophied/weak. Also he said since I have great range of motion for having two rods in my back, that my spine may be compensating where I don't have rods, which could result in disc problems later in life.
I am seriously contemplating getting my rods removed, as a preventive measure, but I want to make sure I have done all the necessary research before I go for surgery again. Any comments on pros and cons of rod removal would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Arlene312
I had my surgery in 1990 at the age of 12 and had two harrington rods put in from T4-L3. I am now 28 years old and lead a pretty active lifestyle with yoga, and pilates (there are a few exercises I can't do since my spine moves as one unit from t4-l3, making spine fluction impossible). Recently I went to a chiropractor to deal with some upper back and neck pain since I carry most of my stress up there, He suggested since I am young and healthy, I should think about getting my rods removed, stating Harrington rods were not meant to be left in, since they were placed there only to help support the spine during my growth spurt. He also mentioned the "use it or lose it" saying, meaning that the muscles in the part of my spine haven't really been working since the rod have been there which means they are probably atrophied/weak. Also he said since I have great range of motion for having two rods in my back, that my spine may be compensating where I don't have rods, which could result in disc problems later in life.
I am seriously contemplating getting my rods removed, as a preventive measure, but I want to make sure I have done all the necessary research before I go for surgery again. Any comments on pros and cons of rod removal would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Arlene312
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