restoring disc height with fusion????

[Michelle Maree]

Thanks Fuzzy,

My doctor says that restoring disk height does increase lordosis, but what I want to know is does doing that actually help or hinder things as, you no longer use that joint space anymore with a fusion. Does it just put more stress on L4/L5 because it is increasing the lumbar angle?
He can only give an educated opinion not one based on experience which is what im after. I realise everyone is different though.

Do you all feel better once disk height at L5/S1 is restored and lumbar curve is restored?

[Michelle Maree]

Sorry.....to answer the first part of your question yes, my facet pain in the above levels has increased since my L5/S1 facet joints have locked or fused themself and I have a more flattened lumbar curve. So it could be the loss of curve or it could just be the loss of movement......and in that case im stuffed anyway.

[Cindylou]

I'm not sure I can answer your question Michelle, but I can respond by saying I am also another who has had L6-S1 fusion (extra vertebra). However, I have 3 artificial lumbar discs above to support it. It has taken me over 2 years to finally see a reduction in my pain levels. Not a journey for the weary. I hope you get the answers you so deserve. My best to you.

[fuzzy]

oh yes, I also have L6

I my case the fusion hybrid worked. Instantly. In fact I have more motion then I did before. All the stiffness and locking up with pain, gone. Now 1.5 years out I still have problems but nothing like before. It seems the adr provided that need motion to make up for the fusion and i don't seem to have issues with the restored disk height. I get regular sciatic leg pain attacts that leave me limping and on pain killers and I am not sure where those come from. These have gotten worse, get triggered but some activity and take 3 to 4 days of carefulness and painkillers to resolve. Painfull, but not like before as it GOES AWAY for a time which is a BIG difference.

[Michelle Maree]

K thanks guys.