I posted for the first time several months ago because I was worried that I was another victim of having the Harrington rod in for many years. I have been fused from T5 to L2 for over 18 years now and have been having a problem with a herniated L5/S1 disc. I finally had an appointment with a back specialist this week and was suprised to find that the scoliosis was pretty much a non-issue for him. He gave me the feedback he gives anyone who walks through his door with a herniated disc that is improving on its own: wait and if there are still problems, look into a disectomy.
I asked him about the condition of my other discs below my fusion (L2/L3, L3/L4 and L4/L5) and he told me they are in the same condition as they would be for anyone else my age. This thrilled and surprised me - I assumed having been fused for so many years, I would have disc degeneration. He told me I can start playing soccer again as soon as I am in good shape again (I'm pretty close right now) and as long as I warm up. This is for the herniated disc, because he didn't feel the fusion should stop me from doing this. He did recommend that I generally stick to low impact exercises (walking, swimming, biking, etc.) and that I take up Pilates (I've sort of been doing a modified Pilates program with my physiotherapist).
All this to say that disc degeneration doesn't always occur below a fusion. And I haven't exactly been easy on my back - up until about a year ago, I played a variety of high impact sports like field hockey, road hockey, Ultimate and soccer. With the herniated disc now, I will start taking it easier. Just wanted to share my good news though.
I asked him about the condition of my other discs below my fusion (L2/L3, L3/L4 and L4/L5) and he told me they are in the same condition as they would be for anyone else my age. This thrilled and surprised me - I assumed having been fused for so many years, I would have disc degeneration. He told me I can start playing soccer again as soon as I am in good shape again (I'm pretty close right now) and as long as I warm up. This is for the herniated disc, because he didn't feel the fusion should stop me from doing this. He did recommend that I generally stick to low impact exercises (walking, swimming, biking, etc.) and that I take up Pilates (I've sort of been doing a modified Pilates program with my physiotherapist).
All this to say that disc degeneration doesn't always occur below a fusion. And I haven't exactly been easy on my back - up until about a year ago, I played a variety of high impact sports like field hockey, road hockey, Ultimate and soccer. With the herniated disc now, I will start taking it easier. Just wanted to share my good news though.
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