Q: I have osteoarthritis of the lower (L4 & L5) back and tailbone. I can find all sorts of information on osteoarthritis of the lower back, however, there is very little information on the tailbone.
Some surgeons will fusion the SI (sacroiliac joint) because it does seems to help some people. Personally, I would suggest trying a sacroiliac belt beforehand to see if some extra stability from a belt is helpful enough for such a surgery to be avoided.
Dr. Christina Lasich, MD
I have had the spinal fusion of L5 S1 and it has not helped me at all. I ended up with nerve damage in my left leg as well as drop foot. I initially had a disk replacement that caused the foot drop. They had to remove it and fuse it instead. It helped the drop foot some so I can at least walk. I also had a 3rd surgery to fuse the back, so I have a fusion on the L5 S1 front and back. I do not feel I got any results from this.
Della
I have had the spinal fusion of L5 S1 and it has not helped me at all. I ended up with nerve damage in my left leg as well as drop foot. I initially had a disk replacement that caused the foot drop. They had to remove it and fuse it instead. It helped the drop foot some so I can at least walk. I also had a 3rd surgery to fuse the back, so I have a fusion on the L5 S1 front and back. I do not feel I got any results from this.
Della
Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of Remedy Health Media. Remedy Health Media does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
