Post surgery issues

**Graysonlaw** · 10-05-2010, 08:15 AM

Hi all! It has been a long time since I venture onto the forums. That is good news since I have been pretty much pain free for quite some time. Now I am back with questions!!!

After solid bone growth, my surgeon encouraged me to get back to "normal" activities. His only caveat was to "listen to your body." I have done so, slowly, but with more vigor as I approached the one-year mark. After about 9 months I started running again. Nothing too strenuous or long, but just something to get me 30 minutes or so of exercise about three days per week. It was a bit tough at first to rediscover my wind, but was finally able to run the 30 minutes without stopping at all!

Now comes the hard part -- still no pain in my back, but I feel SOMETHING. The first thing I noticed was what I thought to be normal cracking of my back (like cracking knuckles). Now I've noticed more and more cracking. Occasionally, it feels almost like spinal movement. I know that would not be a good thing.

I've called my surgeon and set up an appointment -- will likely also get new x-rays to check on hardware. I've also decided to stop running for now, at least until I can get this figured out. So, my questions to the experts: is this normal? Is a cracking sound okay? I haven't noticed any perceptible instablity, so I hope that there is a real problem here. I just wonder if my new exercise is somehow putting undue stress on other parts of my spine and that the cracking is the warning to lay off. Any thoughts???

Thanks!

**KBear** · 10-05-2010, 08:33 AM

I'm not much help on this, but can tell you I haven't ever heard cracking from my back. I know running is pretty hard on the joints in general, but that's really the extent of my knowledge. I know we have a few other runners on here, who will speak up soon. Oh, and glad you have been pain free for so long!

**Hooch** · 10-05-2010, 09:02 AM

Who knows man. Have you done much other higher level exercise before running? Could be normal crackling as you get back into it and just need confidence. Or something might show up on the scans.

I'd definitely taper up to running tho, plenty of swimming and super strong core first. Just my take on it.

**Justin** · 10-05-2010, 12:53 PM

Hi Pete, good to "see" you again. In terms of the cracking sound, it can be a "normal" sound with hardware in your spine. After my third spine surgery, I have noticed a cracking / joint popping sound that does not produce pain.

Running is extremely hard on your body, especially your spine post surgical intervention. The mechanics of running will put undue stress on your spine and could theoretically cause more problems with your spine down the road.

I would definitely share what going on with your surgeon. It will most likely be a benign process. The xrays should help rule out device migration.

Keep us posted.

**Metalneck07** · 10-09-2010, 09:25 PM

Hi Pete, Glad to hear you have been painfree for sometime and feel up to getting back to working out.I have the same cracking and joint popping but this is in my neck.I had Fusion at C5-6 in 07 and Revision in 09.It happens when I increase my activity.My theory is it's the hardware and the solid fusion producing the sound and feeling.I have never spoke to the surgeon about this.I'm glad you are and would be interested in hearing his thoughts on this.I just had surgery on the Sept.28 on my Lumbar so at some point this may be an issue too there.I have to agree with everyone that Running may be to intense on your body just getting back into a routine.I plan to return to swimming 1st when I do get the green light and hopefully running if my spine can handle it.(I have always been a Runner and Weightlifter I miss it.Though weightlifting is gone forever)

I wish you well and hope you get the answers you need.And continue with your pain free days !!
Caitlin aka Metalneck07

**Gilbert P** · 10-10-2010, 01:15 PM

Hi Pete

Welcome back glad to see you posting.

Running takes its toll on the human body the constant pounding will wear out joints and spines. I was a big runner and now my knees are shot could also be all the skiing over the past 40 years?

I can only suggest to ride a bike or hike, swim, be kind to your body you only have one.

Take care my friend and keep moving forward

Gil