Pain after harrington rod 27 yrs later

I've been reading all of these posts for awhile now, and doing my own research. I had my Harrington Rod surgery in 1983, entire length of my back. Had two kids, and am now 42. My God, they never told us what would happen years later..not that I had much choice..my curve went from 42 degrees to 78 in a year..not too many choices. I never had a problem..in fact, I forgot about it most of the time. I was very happy that I had no pain..but now for the last six months I've had excruciating pain in the lower back. I've attained a bachelors and masters degree and run an agency..very proud of my accomplishments as I had no parents or family growing up. Now I can barely sit without popping OTC meds every two hours. I certainly don't want to ever stop my career but I can't believe how much pain..like a toothache..constantly..that I have. I've just changed to another doctor bc my last one was all about taking herbals ...are you freaking kidding me?! I fought back from a pancreatic tumor and spleen removal 4 yrs ago and that was cake compared to this! I really, really don't know what to do..never had my spine looked at in 27 yrs. But now I have to go, and talk to the new Dr., but I don't really know what they can do. I have a first grandchild due in May and a loving husband but Im in the bed by 7-8pm the latest these days when all I was was active before.


This discussion is related to Spinal pain 30 years after Harrington rod surgery for scoliosis and MRI results.

[Dr Sharma]

Hi there. There are so many possibilities following Harrington rods surgery done long back causing severe pain now. Did you follow up your surgery with vigorous physical therapy? An intense physiotherapy should have been followed up after the spine surgery and would have done much benefit. Fibrosis and scars following the surgery could be entrapping the nerve roots in the vicinity causing severe pain. The rods or implants themselves ‘could be causing the pain. Consult your neurosurgeon with these issues and check what he can best do. A pain physician consultation is also warranted. Take care.

[mcktpsnd]

Hello,  Your story is very similar to mine except I am sixty-eight and had my harrington rod insertion in 1982 when I was 39.  Big time surgery as we all know, but with progressive scoliosis we all are looking at COPD and potential right sided heart failure with out it.  I have no regrets having the surgery, however, I also live with constant pain.  First thing I did not know was regarding the neck deformity (crane's neck) post rod insertion.  The other thing I was not aware of is the potential ultimately for flat back syndrome which causes constant pain and eventual difficulty standing when extreme.  Right now I am in the process of having an MRI and CT scan at the Baptist Hospital in Boston where I had my initial surgery to evaluate my options.  The most extreme option it seems for the lower back pain is quite extensive and can involve additional rod insertions and fusions to lower back to put the back into alignment.  My decision will be based on prognosis not necessarily to relieve the pain.  I also have neck and shoulder pain from the neck deformity but I will live with that.  My attitude is that I can live easier with the pain as long as I know that the pain is not indicative of further damage being done.  I am very active and just retired from a long busy career in nursing and want this time to enjoy my grandchildren and to travel.  So glad that I found this site.  I hope to read a posting of how you are doing.

[mcktpsnd]

Hello,  Your story is very similar to mine except I am sixty-eight and had my harrington rod insertion in 1982 when I was 39.  Big time surgery as we all know, but with progressive scoliosis we all are looking at COPD and potential right sided heart failure with out it.  I have no regrets having the surgery, however, I also live with constant pain.  First thing I did not know was regarding the neck deformity (crane's neck) post rod insertion.  The other thing I was not aware of is the potential ultimately for flat back syndrome which causes constant pain and eventual difficulty standing when extreme.  Right now I am in the process of having an MRI and CT scan at the Baptist Hospital in Boston where I had my initial surgery to evaluate my options.  The most extreme option it seems for the lower back pain is quite extensive and can involve additional rod insertions and fusions to lower back to put the back into alignment.  My decision will be based on prognosis not necessarily to relieve the pain.  I also have neck and shoulder pain from the neck deformity but I will live with that.  My attitude is that I can live easier with the pain as long as I know that the pain is not indicative of further damage being done.  I am very active and just retired from a long busy career in nursing and want this time to enjoy my grandchildren and to travel.  So glad that I found this site.  I hope to read a posting of how you are doing.

[archee]

Hi I am from Mumbai, India and my niece 13 yrs old have been diagnosed from scoliosis recently with almost 55-60 degrees curve  in thoracic region and has been suggested for surgery with implants. After reading on this site i am very scared of the future as she is just 13. Would like to know is surgery the only option and what will the possible risks after 30-40 yrs of her life. I am consulting Dr Abhay Nene from P.D.Hinduja national hospital & MRC and i know that he is one of the best spine surgeon in mumbai.

[mcktpsnd]

To follow up.  I did have my consult two months ago at Baptist Hospital in Massachusetts where I had my initial surgery in 1982.  After a series of scoliosis X-rays as well as an MRI they were able to note slight "flat back" syndrome but no nerve compression which I am very pleased about. The flat back syndrome is moving extremely slowly and I have an excellent prognosis.  My pain has improved but as I said in my past post it is easier to live with knowing that the pain is not being caused by a compression or from causing damage.   The alternative surgery for flat back syndrome is extreme and can actually be worse than the initial surgery--- because of the slow progress that is not an option for me --- I actually do not think that surgery would every be an option for me at my age.  My strong suggestion to everyone is to consult with only physicians that are experts in scoliosis in a hospital that is a quality state of the art for scoliosis surgery.  It is a defined expertise and truly should not be treated by any one other than an orthopedic surgeon that specialized in scoliosis.  To treat this issue with herbs or narcotics is not a reasonable approach, especially regarding maintaining a quality life.  I can recommend the Baptist Hospital in Boston as one of those facilities and if any of my children were in need of a scoliosis consult that is where I would go.