HI! I had a spinal fusion with instrumentation from T1-L2 in June of 2002. Everthing went well. I am interested in finding out if anyone else is having the same problems. I have constant spasams around my shoulder blades and increasing pain from these. Is there anything that can be done? Also, some cracking sounds have started when going from a lying down position to sitting up. Is this normal?

Suzy,

Have or do you see a PM (Pain Management) doc? The area around your shoulder blades might be your scapulas or facet joints.

If it is one of those, the thing I've found that helps relieve pain for the scapulas is rest, and plenty of it. I mean the relaxation (with my shoulders against a pillow at an incline) type of rest, and not doing anything that puts a strain, e.g., working - for me - since it's computer-related. Some times, I just have to kick back and let time provide some healing. Icy Hot or Deep Heat has also helped.

I'd check with a doctor and see if maybe a muscle relaxant or a NSAID might be helpful.

If it's your facets, a PM doc would have some ideas. I've had procedures on mine, and those helped greatly and provided several months' of pain relief.

I don't know about the cracking sounds .

Bobbi,

Thanks for the input. That is exactly what I do when I absolutely can't stand it anymore. I have a difficult time sittig still and my work doesn't allow for rest time. I travel alot and am in the car for hours a day. This is sometimes very hard and I have, at times, brought my turtle shell (post-op brace) with me to sit in. I have taken muscle relaxers and NSAIDS, but it is like taking Advil. It is completely useless. Tell me more about the facets? I am sure that the pain is nerve and muscle related because when the spasams get worse my hands get numb. I have an appt. with my surgeon on June 1. I was hoping he could give me some shots to help.

Deb

Suzy,

I am fused L1 to S1...different part of the spine and C 4-5, 5-6, 6-7,...both fusions are 360 with rods and screws...I find I hear strange noises when moving as well...I have determined it is the hardware... I am very careful in how I move as I am certain you are as well with such a large fusion...The spasms probably come from the way we move...I use Flexeral for the spasms and usually use it at night for sleeping...and sometimes during the day...

As Bobbi says I believe most of my pain is nerve related as well and comes from the facets...I use Voltaran for pain and then other meds for the pain...I had cages placed in the front and I think that was supposed to lift the spine ...The facets were opened to allow more room for the nerves...but I think some of the nerves are still pinched since I still have problems with pain...

Deb, here is a link that will lead you to sites about the facets:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=%22facet+joints%22

This link will take you to sites about Pain Management (PM) for the facets:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q...+management%22

Whenever I've had a procedure respective of the facets (or any other part of my spine), it's been with live-guided x-ray or done with fluoroscope; it gives the doc a clear visual on the target area. Without it, the doc may as well be blindfolded or let me have at a Black & Decker and a few drill bits, since it would be a "hit or miss" approach.

I'd never let a doc do any procedure on me without the fluoroscope .