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  • Pauls
    Participant
    Post count: 6

    Dr Corenman,

    I am 11 weeks from my lumbar fusion l3-S1. I thought I was recovering well, following my surgeon and PCP instructions, finished my PT and returned to work(desk job) I recently have been experiencing severe muscle spasms to the point that I can’t move. The pain is so bad my whole body freezes.on a scale from 1-10, it’s a raging 10. I’m afraid to contact my surgeon as she may pull me from work again. Is this expected or normal? This just started a few days before I went back to work mostly in the evenings.once they start any slight movement sets them off again. I try stretching using my legs and slow walking in hopes they will go away. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

    Donald Corenman, MD, DC
    Moderator
    Post count: 8660

    Are the symptoms in both arms and legs? Are they equal right to left? Is your torso involved too? What activities trigger these spasms? Have you had electrolyte labs to check levels?

    Dr. Corenman

    PLEASE REMEMBER, THIS FORUM IS MEANT TO PROVIDE GENERAL INFORMATION ON SPINE ANATOMY, CONDITIONS AND TREATMENTS. TO GET AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS, YOU MUST VISIT A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL IN PERSON.
     
    Donald Corenman, MD, DC is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. Trained as both a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Corenman earned academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and his research on spine surgery and rehabilitation has resulted in the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles and two books.
    Pauls
    Participant
    Post count: 6

    Sorry for not being more clear. The spasms I’ve having are in my lumbar region just above my tailbone.like lower back spasms. The radicular pain in my leg is much worse now than prior to my surgery. I’m not certain if it’s triggered by any activity or not. My day is pretty normal and monotonous. Very light duty work. I have not had any additional test done other than xrays since my surgery.

    Donald Corenman, MD, DC
    Moderator
    Post count: 8660

    New X-rays would be helpful to make sure that the fusion is going well and the instrumentation is well placed (no loosening). The radiculopathy increasing is important as at 3 months, the leg pain should be diminishing. If your physical examination is unchanged (no increased sensory or motor weakness and no increased tension signs), then a short course of oral steroids could be helpful. If exam signs increase, a new MRI would be helpful. I assume you have no fevers or chills.

    Dr. Corenman

    PLEASE REMEMBER, THIS FORUM IS MEANT TO PROVIDE GENERAL INFORMATION ON SPINE ANATOMY, CONDITIONS AND TREATMENTS. TO GET AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS, YOU MUST VISIT A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL IN PERSON.
     
    Donald Corenman, MD, DC is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. Trained as both a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Corenman earned academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and his research on spine surgery and rehabilitation has resulted in the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles and two books.
    Pauls
    Participant
    Post count: 6

    No fever or chills. Thank you for the advice

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