Done in '87 and some pain/exercise questions

[iostream71]

I hadn't had any problems until the past year where I've been experiencing some dull aching in the middle of my back between the shoulder blades. It seems to set in after many hours of sitting. I went to the emory spine center here in Atlanta and the doc didn't see anything out of the ordinary. Am I just getting old or is this a sign of things to come? I don't know my stats, but the harrington rod is from the top to above lumbar area.

Also, what exercises are safe? I asked the doctor and he didn't seem to have much of an answer other than avoid heavy torque movements. I had been doing some weights for the past few years and wonder if I have been doing more harm than good. I don't have any motion problems. I can even touch my toes

[JulieBW]

iostream,
If your fusion is entirely thoracic, you don't have the flatback syndrome that has plagued so many with Harrington rods. I haven't had too many problems, but I have always been quite active with gardening, swimming, biking and exercises specific to keeping my lower back strong. The areas just above and especially below the fusions will always be vulnerable. I would first see a physical therapist for some specific recommendations and guidelines for what to avoid. I've taken some some yoga classes the past couple of summers, when I have a little more time. Many yoga studios offer a version called gentle or restorative yoga, for people with health problems. In my work I am fortunate that I have to get up and move at least every half hour, and I don't sit for more than an hour at home.

[iostream71]

Have you experienced any similar pain that I'm referring to? I just wondered if this was common among people with rods.

I think I'll take your advice about the PT.

[LindaRacine]

iostream,
If your fusion is entirely thoracic, you don't have the flatback syndrome that has plagued so many with Harrington rods. I haven't had too many problems, but I have always been quite active with gardening, swimming, biking and exercises specific to keeping my lower back strong. The areas just above and especially below the fusions will always be vulnerable. I would first see a physical therapist for some specific recommendations and guidelines for what to avoid. I've taken some some yoga classes the past couple of summers, when I have a little more time. Many yoga studios offer a version called gentle or restorative yoga, for people with health problems. In my work I am fortunate that I have to get up and move at least every half hour, and I don't sit for more than an hour at home.

Although people normally think of flatback as only involving the lumbar spine, Harrington rods also resulted in a flat thoracic spine, significantly reducing the necessary amount of kyphosis.

Lostream... I'd encourage you to find a specialist who has a lot of experience treating patients with prior fusions. There may be a way to fix the problem if it persists.

Regards,
Linda

[iostream71]

Well, you can't get much more informed than the emory spine center. It's one of the top in the country. I guess I can ask for a second opinion.

[JulieBW]

iostream,
I'm sorry I didn't respond to your specific question about your upper back. Yes, I've experienced stiffness for years, especially stiff necks. They seem to have diminished now, since I have been swimming and paying more attention to my upper body and not just the low back strengthening exercises. Personally, I would not spend the time and money to seek another opinion unless you are in significant pain. I am imagining that you do some kind of work where you are seated much of the day, at a desk or computer maybe? Linda knows way more than I do about flatback syndrome, but I think most surgeons are mostly knowledgeable about surgery, and know less about the less invasive approaches I've mentioned. You need to try stretching and strengthening exercises for your back first with a physical therapist, and then consider a whole body approach like Yoga or Pilates. Look for an experienced instructor, who has respect for how much they don't know. Linda, maybe you could post a descriptive link for flatback syndrome? What I've run across I thought focused on the lumbar area, and that's what my physical therapist said.

[iostream71]

Yes, I work sitting (4) 10-hour days. My pain isn't unbearable, but it's becoming a daily experience. It's not stiffness...just a dull aching in the middle. If I make myself sit up straight, it seems to subside.

I was hoping to do some weights. I'm a guy and already skinny as it is Perhaps that option just isn't in the cards anymore. My 2 nephews are in PT school, I'll see what they have to say.

Anyway, thanks for the info.

[JulieBW]

Some people who exercise actually gain weight - there are those that say that muscle weighs more, but pound for pound, they both weigh a pound! You should not rule out exercise because you are thin, I think that is what you are saying. For the rest of your life you will need to work harder than others to keep your body strong, or I believe your pain will be worse.

[heidi]

dont stop movin

i do it all but carefully and slowly. I tend to get injured alot (tennis elbow from tennis, hamstring after too much toe touching in Bikrim yoga) and I am very slow BUT I run, swim, ride long distances on my bike, lift free weights (light) I even down hill ski (but probably shouldn't). I do daily core strengthening exercises and if I skip them its hard to even sit on the toilet in the morning. I am relatively pain free (actually I can ignore what isnt too bad.) I cannot sit for long periods without pain in my sit bone and leg, so I just dont sit.

[iostream71]

Oh, don't get me wrong. I try to get in at least 30 minutes of exercise a day with elliptical and weights. I just need to fine tune things so that I'm not doing more harm than good. I've been at it regularly for the past 5+ years.