I to have grade 2. Have lived with the pain. Not easy, I am in Pharmaceuticals sales, so I get many opinions from Dr's. I know of three people that have had surgery, fusion of L5-S1, after a year, two have gone back for surgery as when you fused the vert, you usually have more problems with L4, L3. I am told, which this makes sense, if you fused the area, first the spine is mean't to give and take as our bodies move, when you fuse the area, it can not move, which puts added pressure on the vert areas of the spine, ie: fuse L5-S1, then expect L4, L3 and so on, to give you problems later on. I continue to go to a chiropractor, and make sure that I keep my weight in check. If you are over weight, you will have more problems, and no matter what surgery you have, over weight will be a problem. I keep hoping a new techique will arrive.

R

Hi-
i have spondy grade 1 and hoping it doesn't advance.
i live with pain and stiffness daily, but sometimes it's better so I'm trying to maintain my status quo.
do you find a chiropractor helps you?
I was told that spondy pts shouldn't go to chiropractors or have their spine manipulated? I went for awhile and think that if anything it made it worse.
so hard to know what to do.
I too agree about the surgery, and think it opens up more cans of worms.
I understand it is necessary in some situations though.
I find stretches and keeping active daily help me most.
hope you feel better.:wave:

Hello all,
I am a grade 1 spondy who is also trying hard to avoid surgery. 3 spinal surgeons told me that I needed a fusion, but I don't think I'm bad off enough to go through that just yet. My chiropracter will not treat me now that she knows I have spondy. She feels there is too much risk and that what she could do wouldn't really help and could make things worse.