Can anyone tell me how long a simple fusion surgery (fusion of two vertebrae) should take?
488790
I've undergone 2 surgeries on my spine. The first surgery (to remove 2 herniations of discs) took 9 1/2 hrs, the second surgery that only removed 1 herniation took 4 hrs. Good luck!
562889
hi. i was discharged yesterday after having surgery for my sciliosis. the surgeons put two metal rods on either side of my spine to keep my spine straight. after that i ahd to have two more unexpected operations which resulted me in staying in hospital for two weeks. i know what it feels like. if you want to just talk about it don't hesitate to e-mail me.
740176
Your condition is not so common for someone your age, but it does happen. Surgery wouldn't be the answer especially bone fusion. That's a pretty big deal and usually a last resort, mostly done in patients with instability in their back, or severe disc degeneration. Trust me, you don't want to go there. \n\nThe first step I would take is to go and see a chiropractor regardless of what your MD thinks. You may receive full pain relief without the cost of injections and pain killers. Someone your age will recover quickly if you are in descent health already, i.e not over weight and inactive. \n\nIf you are opposed to that try massage therapy or physical therapy. Most recent research has proven that chiropractic is better for long term pain relief of lower back pain than physical therapy or massage therapy.\n\nThere is a company offering free massage via a table using jade rollers and intense heat. The name of the company is ceragem. The web site is www.ceragem.com  Check for a location in your town. They are not everywhere so if you are in a small town you are out of luck. \n\nIf you must have surgery please visit this web site www.laserspineinstitute.com It is the only type of surgery to consider if you are a candidate for it.\n\nGood luck and ask a friend for a good chiropractor in your area. It could make all the difference in the world\n\nA quick note on spinal decompression:  It is covered by insurance if you find a DO or MD with the unit. Chiropractic offices that have them are overcharging as it should only be 2 to 3 grand for the proceedure. It is effective but also not 100%. Try manipulation first. If thats not successful try decompression but do it at an MD or DO's facility for insurance sake.
123887
Cadaver grafts tend to have faster recovery time, only because you don't have 2 spots on your own body that need to be restored to full range of motion/pain free.\nReally, it's up to you and your MD...and your situation.  \nGood Luck!!
520902
i had surgery five years ago on my back they took out a dis and replaced it with a bone. and it went well. though i still have back pain,but not do to the bone replacement,because of something else. I healed fine and was able to get up and move around within two weeks. best of luck. with your surgery. I;m sure it will be fine.
964094
I have degenerative disc disease as well. I have had 5 lumbar fusions as a result. Although each was done to repair a different disc space. I do not regret any of them. The pain that I had before the surgery was almost unbearable. The pain that extended down my leg is now gone & I can stand up straight again. This choice however should be made by your mom hon. At her age there are bound to more risks involved. On one hand I know that you want her quality of life to improve. But you should know that it can take a full year or better to recover from this type of surgery.
732588
It all depends on the type of surgery you have, but most patients require up to six weeks before heavy lifting and other strenuous activities can be performed. Light activities may be resumed more quickly.
798953
I have been to many many chiropractors and unfortunately had some that really screwed me up.  I had one dislocate three of my ribs and they are still dislocated.  They'll never go back.  I went to a physical therapist after that, and even though it does take longer, I don't have the back pain like I did.  I used to be fine for a few months and then have to go back to the chiropractor for a few months and on and on.  After 6 months with physical therapy I've been good for 5 years.  If my back starts hurting I just start doing the exercises that they taught me and I'll be ok again.  Some chiropractors are wonderful and do a great job, but physical therapy worked much better for me.  If you can't decide between them, try both.
301241
I have mild scoliosis along with a herniated disc in my lower back.  I've only had one bout of very severe pain and it lasted about 4 months.  It was so bad it kept me awake at night and I walked with a limp and I thought I was going to have to have surgery but I really wanted to avoid that.  I went to a chiropractor and he did help the limp but the pain only got worse.  What finally helped me get rid of the pain was when my doctor prescribed a round of Prednisone to help with the inflammation.  It finally eased the pain enough that I could get some sleep.  After I finished the Prednisone and was enough better that I could at least function, he sent me to a Physical Therapist to learn some helpful exercises.  I had to do them every day but the improvement in the pain was definitely enough to keep me doing the exercises.  The next step for me was weigh loss. I lost 115 pounds and started doing all kinds of different exercises from aerobics, to running, to weight lifting.  I have been completely pain free for over almost a year and a half now and I managed to avoid surgery.  Good luck with your pain, I know it's excruciating and miserable to have to live with back pain.  I hope you get it resovled soon.
132704
That depends on how your body takes to the surgery. The doctor will give you an estimate.
609647
I have had 3 major back surgeries and I find walking in the shallow end of a pool, as fast as you can manage without causing too much pain, the best way to build up the back muscles(you want the water about 1/2 way between your waist and your chest for the resistance). If you don't have access to a pool, just walking is the best. \nIn a pool, build yourself up to about 30 min. at least 3 times a week. On the street or a track, work towards 2 miles at least 3 times a week. 2 miles might sound like a lot, but if you work your way up to it you can do this in about 30 min.\nThe best thing to do is consult a Doctor, but, he is most likely going to tell you the same, however I am not a qualified Physician.
765736
7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral (fused), 3-5 coxal (fused).    so anywhere from 32-34 (generally 34).
1074905
I'm sorry that you've been suffering for so long, and since neither surgery nor medication has helped, I would suggest seeing a chiropractor. Chiropractic is founded in the belief that the Central Nervous System (brain, spinal cord, and nerves) is responsible for controlling EVERY function in our bodies, and when the vertebrae are misaligned (what chiropractic calls a subluxation), they can pinch/damage the nerves running out between them and cause pain, numbness/tingling, or any type of general malfunction to that nerve's corresponding body part.\n\nA good chiropractic technique for scoliosis is Chiropractic Biophysics - CBP, which combines adjustments, traction, and exercise to correct spinal misalignment. The adjustments remove subluxations and allow the nerves to conduct impulses properly. The traction works to correct the curve, or at least prevent it from getting worse, and the exercises strengthen the ligaments so they can support the new posture. Since CBP is a technique that aims to make relatively drastic changes to spinal column but in a gradual, safe way, your CBP chiropractor will probably want to see you 3 times a week for 8-10 weeks (with maintenance care to follow). \n\nBut no doctor can guarantee a cure. So it would be in your best interest to ask around, talk to family or friends for recommendations, visit a few offices and choose the doctor you are most comfortable with (I still recommend a CBP chiropractor, but you don't have to stick with that technique). No matter what you decide to do, I hope everything works out for the best!
1113707
Well, what kind of surgery have you experienced for your back?\n\nDepending on what has been done, there is an amazing one-time treatment called Atlasprofilax.\n\nJust, if you had vertebraes fixed together it would be a risk!\n\nOtherwise ask a therapist in California - if possible, it's really worth the journey and the costs of approx. 220 dollars.
727980
OH MY GOD\n\nthose bring back possibly the worst short term pain memories of my life. I had the same problem. Two severe herniated discs. I went through a year of physical therapy, swimming, strong back muscles, no activity, lots of activity, braces, pills, basically anything you can think of. \n\nI went to the doctor at one point and said that I have two options. Surgery or epidural steroid injections. I took the ESI like anybody would and it was done in a rush after they got the doctor who performed this right before he left to go home. I dont know if this was normal but they only put 3 numbing needles. Then I easily went through the worst pain of my life. The needles into the epidural space are just immensly, undescribably painful. I was put in a wheelchair afterwards and then they said it will get better worse before it gets better. After 2 or 3 days it did get better to some extent, I could walk longer, stand longer, etc. In the end, the ESI did not work for me. They only served as an immense surge of pain. \n\n\nSince your husband already has 4 discs herniated, I would go for surgery. It is painless, quick, just so much better. I would much rather live a full life rather than a half life filled with steroid injections
174449
If you are having this surgery, it is your surgeon's duty to explain all of these things to you.  I know it seems that docs are busy and you may not want to ask them - BUT ITS HIS OR HER JOB - and they would rather have their patients well informed than fill out another form - so by asking them, and keeping them from some crummy paperwork, you are doing them a favor.\n\nThe length of time to lay off of activity varies depending on the scope of the procedure.  If you have a large hydrocele, you may be off sexyual activity and excercise for 10 to 14 days.  Be prepared to play it by ear a bit  - although many people recover a lot quicker than this, some take longer - that is the nature of surgery.\n\nThis is a very common procedure, and if you take it easy early on, follow your surgeon's recommendations, your recovery will be as quick as possible.  Best Wishes -
939194
I would ask the doctor if running a MRI on her to see if she has any back disc problems, then if she does physical therapy is good, if that dosent help with the nerve being pinched she may need to see a nurosurgean for more options, I had the same problem, waited to long and now have a fused lower spine,