Thread: "Back" again..

In Oct '06 I had an L4/L5 and recovered quite nicely, doing my exercises every day, swimming some, and taking Gabapentin.

Now, almost 20 months later, I have a lot of trouble in the morning, just after getting out of bed. I am bent over, can't stand up straight, and am walking around with small steps like an old man. It feels like stiffness back there, and not another disc problem. Could it be that my bed is causing this pain and stiffness? Anyone else go through this?

After breakfast I do some stretching exercises that seem to help a great deal. That, and a hot shower, and I'm ready to go to work. But those first few hours of every day are terrible. Any help or experiences you can share will be appreciated...

That is normal for many of us spinneys after surgery.

Just to be sure that you having nothing new going on, I would check back in with your surgeon to have him exam you and determine if further testing is necessary.

Good luck and I pray that it nothing more than morning stiffness.

Thank you drpepper. I have considered going to a chiropractor or a massage therapist to see if they might help. I hadn't thought of going back to my surgeon, but maybe that's the best thing to do.

I am trying to swim & walk more and I think that will help, if it is stiffness. I sure am bent over more than I was after the surgery. This has come on in the last few weeks. I'm going to try sleeping on the floor and see if that helps.

Thanks for your response...