Understood... And, it was a chiropractor who took an x-ray who said that fusion surgery is the only thing that can fix my spine... I don't see him any longer & will be seeing a spine specialist (neuro surgeon). As for my lifestyle... It is pretty tame... I am a 73 year old...My husband does a lot around the house... Thanks for your input🙂

SallyScheer. While you CAN learn to live with it without surgery, and possibly keep it from getting worse, dont misunderstand me by thinking you can go about life without taking into consideration the condition of your spine. Depending on what your lifestyle is like you might need to permanently stop or significantly modify some activities to protect what you still have and not make it worse, same holds true even if you do decide to proceed with fusion. Was that dr a spine surgeon? If not, consult a spine surgeon before believing that is your only option. It's possible that you might have other options orher than fusion that will help you maintain flexibility. In the meantime, until you get that MRI and see a spine surgeon (Neuros havemore time in class on nerves than orthos generally) dont jump, run, go boating or any other bodily jarring activities. Those can definitely make it worse if you have multiple bulging/herniated discs and stenosis etc. And if you do have a spine like a jungled bunch of pick up stix, surgery will not necessarily make it feel any better and could even cause more pain than not having surgery. It just depends on the condition, whether or not you're willing to do daily stretching and strength/support exercises and lifestyle. No easy way out of this one I'm sorry to say. All the best to you Sally, reach out anytime. While youre mulling it over, read as many experiences as you can from others who have gone through it to help you decide what, if anything, to do. 😌🙏

@A MySpondylitisTeam Member.The films and the terminology can all look and sound frightful Sally. But what I have learned from many consultations, years of research, and personal perspective is that most of it sounds a whole lot scarier than it needs to. And most spine problems can be completely reversed with exercise alone. For example, the average degree of scoliosis is 30 degrees for people over 40. My own was 27 and I reversed it to 5-10 in 5 years. Osteoporosis can also be reversed without meds with diet, walking and exercise, based on personal experience. And a neck in complete curve reversal with herniations C2/3 - C7 with osteophytes everywhere, hemangiomas, and spinal and and foraminal nerve stenosis on both sides doesn't necessarily mean you must have fusion surgery. ☺️🙏

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A MySpond...

I have heard many who have tried it say it's awesome and swear by it. I'd ask the person who orders and looks at your MRIs first though. I imagine it depends on where and how your spine is put together.

Did you mean inversion table? If so, best to ask your Doctor. Mine told my damage was past the point of one helping and could cause more damage. Better safe than sorry in this case.