#spinalHealth

[rantsofamadam]

Spinal Fusion- Emotional Recovery

TW: Medical topics and images + mentions of skin picking

One month ago I received Spinal Fusion Surgery to correct a double curve in my spine from scoliosis. Which is known to be one of the most painful surgeries, with rods, screws and bone grafting, changing the entire structure of my spine and proportions of my body. (Which if you are curious, have any questions or would like to hear more about it, please ask! I’d love to share.)

The procedure went well, everything went as smoothly as it could. But wow I am not going easy on myself with any of this at all.

My mom took a video of me right as I was waking up from anesthesia where I told her I asked the nurse if I could stand up already. I was beyond determined to heal as fast as I could from this surgery, and continue with my life. I walked further than I needed to on my own which was extremely impressive to the nurses, and I was ‘one of the most conscious, alert and motivated patients I’ve seen in 25 years’ according to one nurse.

Because of my quick recovery, I developed the expectation I was going to continue healing quickly, and have been trying to be as independent as possible with this surgery. I do a good job of hiding my pain or struggles around my family and friends, they assume I am doing fine and essentially ‘back to normal,’

But wow. It is still extremely difficult. I have so many goals in my life I want to accomplish, and in my mind I should be doing them all immediately now that I seem healed and better to those around me.

But I am still in pain. I am still healing. I can’t bend over easily, I can’t walk very fast. It’s been a month, but I am still so tired all the time. And I am not letting myself genuinely heal in that regard. I tell myself I should be doing more, that I am fine and shouldn’t let this stop me, that I should accomplish so many goals by now- that I’m lazy for taking time to heal.

That is genuinely what I have been telling myself. And it has been nearly impossible to find my way out of that mindset.

Over the weeks after my surgery, I created a lot. I wrote poems, I drew, I made crafts, I wrote stories or information down- I was trying to be productive, as productive as I could but it still didn’t and doesn’t feel like enough.

Currently as I am writing this, I skipped church with my family this morning due to awful painful period cramps and nausea, as well as healing from back surgery. I feel guilty, awful, and like I should be pushing through it and persevering even though I am in pain and need to rest and heal.

My therapist told me ‘just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should,’ as in with recovery, just because I am able to get through the day on no pain meds and tough through it all- does not mean I should, or have to, or that it is beneficial for me.

I also have a compulsive skin picking condition. I will pick at any scab or any part of my skin continuously and find it increasingly difficult to stop. So by the end of the second week, I had already re-opened my surgical wound and felt extremely guilty and awful about it. My surgeon had to replace some of the bandages, he didn’t seem concerned or surprised at all. But I was filled with guilt and shame.

It is still a severe struggle for me, to realize it’s ok to actually slow down, rest and not be hyper productive as I let myself heal.

I realize I also have been so focused on healing fast, moving on, and essentially acting like this surgery never happened- that I haven’t actually let myself process all this genuinely means for my body and my future.

My entire body has changed, and will be different for the rest of my life. I will always have a massive scar down my back. I will always have metal rods and screws in my spine. I will never be as flexible as I was. This will factor into the rest of my life. And I haven’t allowed myself to genuinely think through and process what this means for me.

I need to realize and remind myself it’s ok to slow down, and even beneficial for my current healing state and spine.

[thecolorsandshapesfrommybrain]

Spinal Fusion recovery doodles, drawings and thoughts.

As of now, it has been 10 days since my surgery! Still alive!

But many ups and downs, and (prescribed) drug experiences 😌

[drsuhyunanus]

Suhyun An Breaks Down 7 Surprising Benefits of Chiropractic Biophysics

When most people hear “chiropractor,” they usually think of someone cracking backs to fix a sore neck or lower back pain. But there’s a technique called Chiropractic Biophysics (CBP) that goes way beyond that—and it’s changing how we think about spinal health.

Dr. Suhyun An, who’s been helping patients feel better through CBP, says it’s not just about pain relief. It’s about improving how your whole body works—posture, breathing, digestion, even energy levels. If you’ve never heard of it, here’s what makes it so different—and why it might be worth looking into.

1. It Helps You Stand (and Sit) Taller Without Thinking About It

Let’s be honest—most of us have pretty bad posture. Whether it’s from slouching over a laptop or scrolling on your phone, that constant hunch takes a toll over time.

CBP focuses on realigning your spine to its natural, healthy curve. Dr. Suhyun An points out that this isn’t a one-time fix. It’s a process that retrains your body, so you’re not constantly fighting your own muscles just to stand up straight. The result? You look and feel more balanced without even trying.

2. It Gets to the Root of Chronic Pain

If you’ve been living with neck pain, back stiffness, or headaches for years, you know how frustrating it can be to only get short-term relief. What makes Chiropractic Biophysics different is that it doesn’t just treat the symptoms—it looks at what’s causing the problem in the first place.

By correcting misalignments in your spine, CBP takes pressure off nerves and joints. Dr. An has seen patients finally find lasting relief after trying just about everything else.

3. Breathing Feels Easier

This one catches a lot of people by surprise. When your upper spine is misaligned, it can actually limit how much your rib cage can expand. That means shallow breathing, especially if you sit all day.

Dr. Suhyun An explains that once your posture improves and your spine is more open, your lungs have more room to work. That leads to deeper breaths and sometimes even improvements in conditions like asthma or frequent shortness of breath.

4. You Might Notice More Energy

Here’s something no one tells you: being out of alignment drains your energy. Your body is constantly compensating for imbalances—your muscles are working harder than they need to, and your nervous system is stressed.

When things are properly aligned through CBP, your body moves more efficiently. You don’t waste energy just standing or walking, and over time, many patients say they just feel less worn out.

5. It Can Support a Stronger Immune System

Your spine plays a big role in how your nervous system functions, and that affects everything, including your immune system. When spinal misalignments interfere with nerve signals, it can make it harder for your body to respond to illness or stress.

Dr. An has noticed that patients who stick with CBP tend to get sick less often, recover faster, and just feel more “in sync” overall. It’s one of those subtle benefits that add up over time.

6. It’s Surprisingly Helpful for Digestion

Believe it or not, your spine and stomach are more connected than you think. Certain nerves that control digestion run through your lower back. If those nerves are being pinched or irritated due to poor alignment, you might notice issues like bloating or irregular bowel movements.

Chiropractic Biophysics takes the pressure off those nerves, giving your gut a better chance to do its job. It’s not a cure-all, but it can be a useful part of a bigger plan to feel better from the inside out.

7. It’s a Long-Term Investment in Your Health

Unlike quick-fix treatments, CBP is about creating lasting change. It takes time and consistency, but the goal is to set your body up for long-term health and comfort.

Dr. Suhyun An compares it to maintaining a car, when the structure is sound, everything runs better. Many of her patients say they sleep better, have fewer headaches, and just feel more “themselves” after committing to CBP.

Final Thoughts

If you’re only using chiropractic care to “fix” something when it hurts, you might be missing out on the bigger picture. Chiropractic Biophysics offers a deeper, more holistic approach, focused on posture, spinal alignment, and how your body functions as a whole.

And thanks to doctors like Suhyun An, more people are learning that taking care of your spine isn’t just about pain relief, it’s about living better every day.

[c-poetjoycciwi]

[industrialdreadhead]

Sorta vent under the cut, just about spinal fusion stuff

I know most of yall don't care. But for me this turned out to be the biggest thing so far in my life. As you know, I'm someone who for the most part, talk about music and bands and such things. But as of 10 months ago I have gotten a Spinal Fusin surgery. Is this going to be a long talk probably. I've sorta keep it out of public eye for all my socials, but have always been happy to share the process, and answer questions my friends have. But that doesn't take away how fucking cool I think this is, for other people who have such thing it has brought me so much closer to some people around the world who have same problems and issues, and we'll spinal fusion. And I think my scar is absolutely amazing!!! And now as I go further is recovery. I want to open up and answer your questions, or tips. Because I think it's a cool things that should be talked about. And I will also talk about my experiences with it. As it has been difficult but opened my eyes so much!!

[themadornithologist]

Please share & donate if you can to my friend Ty. We went to high school together. I’ve also come to know Ty’s family through the kindness & compassion they’ve shown me in difficult times. ❤️‍🩹

[nursefuratu]

I just coughed so hard in my sleep it woke me and gave me the hiccups. It also made me jerk so hard I got searing white hot nerve pain in my right lateral thigh which at least had the benifit of stopping the hiccups. Wide awake now though. I'm mad because I feel like my body has betrayed me despite the fact I know this comes from a couple buldging disks and an arthritic lumbar spine (I’m not that old!). My back isn’t even bothering me much. It’s the hyperesthesia and paraesthesia that’s super annoying.

#sleepless #stupid body #hyperesthesia #paraesthesia #lumbar spine

[rantsofamadam]

Vent Post- Second Spinal Surgery.

For background context before I get into the main topics I want to talk about-

I recently had Spinal Fusion surgery for scoliosis in October. (Where they insert metal rods, screws and graft bones into my spine)

Up until yesterday everything was going smoothly. X-rays looked great, I have been recovering phenomenally, everything was smooth and looking perfect. Until yesterday, my second post-op appointment after surgery.

It’s been weeks since my surgery, and I got updated X-rays. Only to find out- the fusion failed in two places. Two of the screws came loose from the rod. Which is such an anomaly, and the first time my surgeon has ever had this happen to one of his patients.

And it will require another surgery. Another fucking surgery.

Where they will have to open my entire- now healed- wound/scar again, take out the entire bar, take out and replace the two screws that came loose, re-insert it, and stitch me up again. I will spend at least a day in the hospital and it will be a 3 hour surgery.

I just got out of, finished and was healing so well from this one. I was finally letting my wound heal and not ripping it apart. I was just getting used to moving on from surgery, getting used to my new life and body-

And now I have to start over.

And it’s- very disheartening. I feel like I am being overdramatic in my reaction about this, but it is hard, if I’m being honest. Really hard.

I had months to prep for this original surgery, I was doing physical therapy and mentally preparing myself. I know this surgery won’t be nearly as invasive or painful- but- the entire ordeal of anesthesia, pain, medication, nurses and doctors seeing and touching my body, more hospital and doctor visits,

My heart sunk, I felt like I couldn’t breathe when he told me I would have to go through this again. It’s just surgery, I got through it incredibly well- and I have to muster all of that again. With much less preparation time.

At face value it is traumatic. Physically, mentally and emotionally. It is. Right? I don’t know.

I keep brushing it off like it’s not a big deal, but it is. It is a big deal and I feel sick to my stomach with nerves this time.

I braced for death so hard the first time, going through every possible scenario in my head, and the fact my situation is already an anomaly? I- what if this time I become paralyzed? Or don’t wake up?

I could disassociate through the majority of it, not think about it, and now I barely even remember anything at the hospital or the few days at home (also because of the meds but I genuinely intentionally tried to zone out and not think about it- its easier to not be present in moments like that)

Now I just- have to do it again.

I was so excited I survived spinal surgery, I got it, I was healing so well, I was so determined at the time, so glad I got it over with. And here we go again. A second spinal surgery. A second. God damn. Spinal surgery.

I don’t feel as if I have any right to complain. Some people have it so much worse, incredibly worse, spending all the time in the hospital. I don’t have a right to say ‘I’m sick of hospitals’ (although- my dad does have cancer currently and that’s a whole other story with hospitals and the medical system) when so many others have it worse. But then again that’s- how all of life is. Elon Musk is probably complaining he didn’t get the right million dollar statue by the pool that he wanted like-

I think- it’s ok to say, especially in my situation right now- yknow- this sucks. This fucking sucks.

I did such a good job of stifling all my emotions the first time around and would talk logistically about it more than I ever said how I was feeling.

But this?

I teared up when my surgeon said I’d need a correction. And I cried in the car on the way home. Maybe that’s stupid.

It’s just surgery, I’m being overdramatic, this won’t even be as drastic of a change as it was the first time. Just god I thought we were done.

This entire year has been a FUCK ton. I was PRAYING 2024 would go out on a boring note for once and let me actually start my life again. But no. 2024 has been the year of change for me.

A sum up for me of what 2024 has been- My surgery was spontaneously moved from June to October because the hospital got hacked, I became stage manager at my high school and developed a passion, (as in this is what I want to make my major and career) I decided to take a gap year with the moved date of my surgery (so no college for me yet), I turned 18, I graduated high school, I entered poetry and art competitions and placed in both, I broke up with my partner of over a year, every social dynamic changed and flipped on its head completely with the people I knew over the summer, said goodbye to my closest and longest friends as they went to college and goodbye to the group and people I have come accustomed and so close to, went through SEVERAL pre-ops and physical therapy appointments, met, fell in love with, and started dating my current boyfriend, SO much family drama and dynamics, saw a lot of family we don’t usually, found out my dad was diagnosed with cancer, and I had fucking spinal fusion surgery. (one of the most painful and invasive surgeries, period.)

So, yknow. Not a big deal. At all. (This year has been one of the biggest and most eventful years of my life so far, and I haven’t processed nearly any of it to the extent I need to in order to feel present, here and healthy)

I thought with it being December, I was in the clear. Cause cmon, very end of the year what else could possibly happen?

Bam. Another surgery. Sudden/emergency surgery because I’m an anomaly and so fucking lucky to have had this happen to me- after everything, after moving on, letting myself actually heal, walking, beginning on getting my license, an official job, college- nope. All on hold again. Again. Again. Fucking again.

The worst part is- I feel like it’s my fault. I was SO determined to stand and walk as much and as fast as I could after surgery, I was doing all I could on my own, walking, standing, rolling over, trying when I could to pick things off the ground- pushing myself to sit through events or go places even if it hurt. My therapist told me to take better care of myself for myself’s sake. But all I cared about was proving I was strong and could do this- and getting back to ‘normal’ as fast as possible. Not having to think about the surgery, essentially ignoring it, and moving on so fast. Everyone was extremely impressed. My therapist wanted me to slow down, listen to my body and actually take resting time to heal. I didn’t really listen.

And now there are two screws loose, my surgeon has no idea how this could have happened, I’m the first patient of his who’s ever had this happen to me. But typically these surgeries are on kids younger than 18, and/or athletes and restless kids who are much more active than I am. I blame myself for ruining it, definitely. My friends tell me it wasn’t my fault, the first thing my surgeon said when he broke this news to me was- it isn’t my fault. But it’s so hard to believe that when it’s my body, this surgeons a professional, clearly I fucked up.

And now my fucking up doesn’t just affect me- it affects my story, the surgeons and doctors work, my parents, costs- ugh. My recklessness and carelessness for myself and my recovery led to this- fuck.

My therapist said ‘this is your SPINE. If you rush this, it could be really harmful in the long term. YOUR spine.’ I have an appointment with her tomorrow. I am dreading telling her this news. I feel like I failed her.

But the entire point is- I failed myself. yes other people are and will be affected but IM the one who has to go through it again. I fucked up- and it’s hurting myself. And I would say ‘I can handle it, it’s really not a big deal, I just feel worse for everyone around me.’ And yes I can handle it- I hate it. I really hate it.

I also have a skin picking condition where I compulsively pick at my surgery scar. It’s gotten better in the last few weeks, it’s generally healed, but

I don’t know I feel like I’m being overdramatic but God- I rarely talk about or show emotions like this, genuinely letting myself cry or be fucking angry about something pertaining to me like this. But man I’m just tired and can’t- handle this right now.

I know I will. I know I’ll be able to and I’ll handle this as well as I ever possibly could.

I already did this, how hard could a second surgery be, right? Yeah. Fuck. I called my boyfriend crying when I got home, he’s- the biggest cheerleader.

He’s going to try to be there again but his work is pretty serious and might not let him take the time off. Augh. Fuck.

I’ll be ok. Just the main thing on my mind recently. I have an official date for this second surgery now- December 27th. After Christmas. And I have a Pre-Op tomorrow already.

Another surgery. Next. Week. Fuck.

[thecolorsandshapesfrommybrain]

[lifethroughfingertips]

Christmas is coming. This year I didn’t qualify for the small loan I usually get from my credit union. I worry even when I get that loan so I’m especially stressed. I’ve missed some work days lately as I recently found out I have a new lesion on my brain, a new lesion on my spine and one of my spinal lesions has grown. This scares me because it could mean after 10 years my ms has turned progressive. I know it’s tough for everyone right now but if anyone can help a chronically ill girl afford gifts for her loved ones or wants to just get me a gift I’d be so grateful 🥺❤️

$juliadrab

[vani-lla-boi]

I used to have scoliosis that wasn’t terrible but it caused me a lot of pain and was noticeable. I got spinal fusion surgery at age 18.

I still can see some asymmetry when I look in the mirror. I pointed this out to my mom a few weeks after surgery and she said “Everyone’s a little asymmetrical.”

That honestly stung and made me feel like my insecurities weren’t valid. My scoliosis probably caused my body to grow in a way that counteracted it, but it was still disheartening to have an uneven shape after a major surgery.

I mentioned this to my partner the other day and they saw what I was talking about and tried to understand how I felt. That makes me feel so much more validated.

I feel like it’s ok to be insecure about some things, especially since it was something I had grown up comparing myself to others about. I obviously don’t want to be insecure but I also can’t deny that it exists in my journey to heal from it.

[c-poetjoycciwi]

[fitnesshub17]

How Spinal Force™ Can Help You Live Pain-Free Naturally

Chronic back pain can feel like an endless cycle, where you try everything to relieve it but nothing works long-term. The discomfort limits your movements, makes everyday tasks harder, and can even affect your sleep and mood. But what if there was a way to break the cycle? If you're looking for a natural, non-addictive solution to your back pain, Spinal Force™ might be just the answer you've been searching for.

Spinal Force™ is an innovative herbal formula designed to tackle the root cause of chronic back pain: neuroinflammation. When the nerves in your back become inflamed, it causes pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. Traditional painkillers only mask the symptoms, but Spinal Force™ goes deeper to target the source of the problem and provide long-term relief.

Here's a breakdown of how Spinal Force™ works:

Corydalis Lutea: This powerful herb is the star ingredient in Spinal Force™. Known for its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, it helps reduce inflammation around the spine and relieves discomfort without causing addiction or other harmful side effects.

Passion Flower: Passion Flower helps relax muscles, reducing spasms and improving overall mobility. It also supports restful sleep, which is crucial for recovery when dealing with chronic pain.

California Poppy Seeds: These seeds have been used for centuries for their calming effects on the nervous system, helping to reduce stress and promote relaxation.

Marshmallow Root and Prickly Pear: These herbs provide additional support by reducing swelling and inflammation in the body, offering comprehensive relief from back pain.

With regular use, Spinal Force™ doesn't just mask your symptoms—it helps your body heal naturally by reducing inflammation and improving nerve function. Say goodbye to relying on pills with harmful side effects and start enjoying a life free from pain.

Are you ready to take control of your back pain and find a natural, lasting solution? Visit the official website to learn more and order Spinal Force™ today: Spinal Force Official Website

[industrialdreadhead]

Hey Yall

It's Scoliosis Awareness Month

So go tell your broke back friend Happy month!! Ps. I'm also gay happy pride month 🫡🫶🏻