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Spinal fusion

Sunchild
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06/24/2010 - 9:04am
Spinal fusion
Hi Esther, I recently purchased your book because a friend told me how dramatically it helped her health.  I have begun reading and am so impressed by the clear logic, clear communication of the logic, and beautiful photos.  Before I begin the lessons I wanted to ask you if I need to know anything further based on my condition.  I was born with a rare "birth defect" called Freeman-Sheldon Syndrome aka Distal Arthrogyprosis Type II.  My spine was surgically fused when I was 12yrs old... the entire thoracic.  This was treatment for scolisosis and kyphosis.  I was in "halo-traction" for over a month and had the Harrington rod, but it was removed years later. I am turning 44 in Aug.  Now my cervical spine shows fusing- C5,6 and 7.  I began to experience severe neck pain and episodes of locking up, burning, and muscle spasms in my neck... radiating up the left side of my skull.  The doctor says that it is caused by bone spurs.  I went for physical therapy and the massage and manual traction helped, but  the episodes retunr when I don't get this regularly and insurance considers that "maintenance" and won't cover it. Is there anything I should know before I began the lessons in regard to my fusion?  I am sure you will tell me to work under the supervision of a doctor.... but I will be working on my own and take full responsibility for whatever outcome I get.  My entire childhood revolved around so much medical intervention that did me more harm then good.  My adulthood has been a journey in recovering from painfully invasive treatment and trauma on all levels.  Every time I go see a doctor I find that I understand my body and its needs more then they do, and they have no answers only harmful prescriptions. With so much of my spine already fused can I create any lengthening? Thanks for your passion and for spreading your knowledge and wisdom! ~Maria
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09/10/2008 - 8:36pm
Hi Maria, It's true that the portions of your spine that are fused cannot be lengthened, but the part that is giving you trouble (your neck) can. Think about your fusion as a protection against compression; now you need to protect the unfused portions of your spine from compression. The order that the lessons are presented in 8 Steps will work fine for you - focus on lengthening your neck against the headrest of your carseat, the pillow as you lie on your back or side, etc. Since traction worked in physical therapy, it should work in everyday life as well. And you could be doing it a lot. Go for gentle stretches that you sustain for long periods of time. Pelvic anteversion is very important for you to learn as well (Lessons 3 and 4 in the book) as it will enable your neck to find its place peacefully. Try these things first and then report back in a little. Good luck.
Sunchild
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06/24/2010 - 9:04am
Thanks so much, Esther- will do!
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