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What Causes Severe Back Pain With History Of L3-L5 Fusion?

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Posted on Wed, 7 May 2014
Question: I underwent a L3-L5 fusion in February of 2012. For the past 7 months the pain in my lower back has grown. increasingly worse. I visited a neurologist who gave me physical therapy orders. I attended physical therapy 2x a week for 2 months and my pain has actually gotten worse. My question is whether or not I should revisit the doctor (possibly ER) or if the pain I'm experiencing is normal. The pain in my back is never lower than a 4 and usually ranges from a 6 to a 10. It has also began to grow worse with physical activity which never happened before I attended physical therapy. Any and all advice is appreciated!
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Answered by Dr. Vaibhav Gandhi (48 minutes later)
Brief Answer: Can be confirmed by MRI with contrast or CT myelo Detailed Answer: Hello, I have studied your case. There can be nerve compression or lysthesis post fusion. As per your previous surgery of spine now there is possibility of discitis, which can be confirmed by MRI with contrast or CT myelogram For these symptoms analgesic and neurotropic medication can be started. Till time, avoid lifting weights, Sit with support to back. You can consult physiotherapist for help. Physiotherapy like ultrasound and TENS therapy will help I will advise to check your vit B12 and vit D3 level. Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries. Wishing you good health. Take care.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Dr. Vaibhav Gandhi

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :1998

Answered : 5164 Questions

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What Causes Severe Back Pain With History Of L3-L5 Fusion?

Brief Answer: Can be confirmed by MRI with contrast or CT myelo Detailed Answer: Hello, I have studied your case. There can be nerve compression or lysthesis post fusion. As per your previous surgery of spine now there is possibility of discitis, which can be confirmed by MRI with contrast or CT myelogram For these symptoms analgesic and neurotropic medication can be started. Till time, avoid lifting weights, Sit with support to back. You can consult physiotherapist for help. Physiotherapy like ultrasound and TENS therapy will help I will advise to check your vit B12 and vit D3 level. Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries. Wishing you good health. Take care.