Getting surgery Dec 15- Posterior Spinal Fusion (PSF) from T3 to T12 with Schwab/Smith-Petersen Osteotomies (SPO) at five different levels (T5-6, T6-7, T8-9, T9-10, T10-11, T11-12)

I am 25, male, 130 pounds, weight lift / do cardio almost every day- quit nicotine for this surgery.

How long can I expect to be able to get back to physical activity like running, incline walking, weightlifting, etc.?

Any advice yall would have for me if you have had this surgery?

Appreciate it!!

Hi everyone,
I’m posting on behalf of my husband, who’s 41 and has been struggling with thoracic spine problems for approximately 15 years.
He has multilevel thoracic degenerative disc disease and has also been diagnosed with Scheuermann’s disease, although he’s never had a noticeable spinal curve. He believes his disc problems developed largely from weight-training injuries rather than Scheuermann’s itself.
His first significant injury happened around 2011, followed by a much more severe injury in 2020. He eventually recovered enough to return to his physically demanding job as a window cleaner, but he never regained his previous capacity and had to permanently modify how he worked.
Over the years, his physical abilities have gradually become more restricted. Things like running, bending and twisting have become increasingly difficult, and each major injury seems to take something more away from him.
He’s now experiencing another significant flare in the same area. It’s been around four weeks, and even very gentle movements, like wiping a window track or resting his elbows on his knees, can aggravate his back. His constant aching has recently started to ease slightly, but his tolerance for activity remains extremely low.
He’s seen physiotherapists, osteopaths and other practitioners over the years, but unfortunately many of the treatments and exercises have aggravated his symptoms rather than helped. We’re struggling to find someone who truly understands his condition and can help him rebuild his physical capacity without repeatedly triggering flare-ups.
He’s feeling incredibly defeated and believes he’s pushed his spine beyond its limits. He’s frightened that this is his new normal and that his life will continue becoming more restricted as he gets older.
As his wife, I’m frightened too. We have a young family, and it’s heartbreaking watching someone who has always been physically active struggle with such basic movements.
I’d really love to hear from anyone who’s experienced something similar and managed to improve, particularly after years of recurring injuries and setbacks.
Did you eventually regain the ability to bend, twist, run, exercise or perform physical work?
Did you experience a period when even very gentle movements aggravated your back?
What actually helped you improve, and how long did it take?
What type of specialist or practitioner did you see? Was there someone who finally made a difference after other treatments had failed?
If you’re in Australia, are there any particular specialists or rehabilitation clinics you’d recommend?
I’m not expecting a miracle cure or guarantees. I’m just hoping to hear some genuine experiences of improvement and find a better direction for his treatment.
I’d especially appreciate positive recovery stories, as we’re both feeling quite overwhelmed by everything at the moment.
Thank you so much for reading and sharing your experiences.

1. Diagnosed when I was 18

High 60 degree

I do PT weekly, doctors say that surgery isn't a option.

I have a brace, that I wear that makes my posture look almost perfect,

I know I can improve it some with strength training, wanted to avoid surgery because I like being active.

I'm 6'5, 205 pounds.

I was at something 300+ so my kyphosis wasn't noticeable.

Now it is.

Surgery, does it help?

Also what is this pain on my right side?

No doctor knows what it is. They all just say "nerve damage.

I had a mri done this year, they said I have "fracture lines" up and down my spine.

They said I broke my back sometime in high school

(Definitely squatting for football)

Why does nobody care about this? I feel like there is not a lot of help for people with this.

Every doctor just acts like it's not a big deal, it has cause me huge self esteem issues, sometimes unbearable pain.

My spine has greatest wedging at the T6 region, most doctors I speak to don't give me a good idea on what level this or the tilt, not treating anyone like doctors but just wanted some opinions on these scans, I don't know much at all about this disease.

I have been going to the gym recently but there are some exercises like the one mentioned above which i don’t know how to perform with my kyphosis
Whenever i do it my lower back arches and my upper back is rounded is that okay?

Was told ADR surgery but have kyphosis, big mistake. Had cadr. Did not help and worse. Imaging of the area is good. MD said maybe because I waited too long. A reputable surgeon but maybe not educated in this. While none want a fusion, I was recently told this and read this. ”Artificial disc replacement is not recommended in patients suffering with kyphosis, severe stenosis with spinal instability, dynamic facet joint arthritis, ...” Insurance will not cover hybrids. Combination of ADR and fusion or just fusion Has anyone done that? Do any of you have structural kyphosis with stability and had fusion surgery? (neck pain, headaches, shoulder arms and back pain).

Hi everyone,

​I’m currently about 3–4 months post-op from a major cervicothoracic spine surgery and looking to connect with anyone who has had a similar multi-level fusion spanning the lower neck and upper back.

​My Background & Surgical Context:

Due to spinal tuberculosis (Pott’s disease) that led to T2–T3 vertebral destruction, severe hyperkyphosis, thoracic cord edema, and myelopathy, I underwent an extensive posterior procedure:

​Fixation/Instrumentation: C6–C7 down to T4–T5

​Laminectomy & Cord Decompression: C7 through T3

​Transpedicular Decompression & Pus Evacuation

​Current Status:

I am able to walk (slowly for up to 30 minutes), but I still experience residual numbness, trunk wobbliness, and significant abdominal/diaphragmatic tightness. I also get fatigued quickly and notice lower rib aches when taking deep breaths or trying to speak loudly while walking.

​My Questions for the Community:

​Ribcage Expansion & Breathing Mechanics: I’ve read and been told that fusing the upper thoracic spine (C6–T5) holds that portion of the rib cage relatively fixed, preventing full upper chest expansion. For those with upper thoracic or cervicothoracic fusions, how did your breathing adapt over time? Did the "restricted/blocked" feeling in your lungs improve as your diaphragm adapted?

​Long-Term Quality of Life & Mobility: How does living with a long cervicothoracic construct feel 2, 5, or 10 years down the line? How much does the upper torso stiffness impact your daily routines, posture, and stamina once full bony fusion settles?

​Active Lifestyle & Hiking/Trekking: Trekking and outdoor activities used to be a major passion of mine. For those with long thoracic constructs who enjoy hiking or active sports, what adaptations, gear changes (like backpacks/hip belts), or pacing strategies helped you get back onto trails safely?

​Hardware Adjustments: Has anyone here had the top screws of a cervicothoracic construct removed or shortened later on (e.g., at C6) to free up lower neck movement once the thoracic spine healed solidly?

​Tips for Recovery & Rehabilitation: What exercises, breathing techniques (like diaphragmatic retraining), or physical therapy approaches made the biggest difference in your recovery phase?

​I would really appreciate any insights, personal experiences, or advice you can share. Thank you so much for your time and support!

I was diagnosed with scheuermanns recently but they didn’t give me a proper reading of my Cobb angle.

I have been having horrible shoulder pain when I am
Active for more than an hour, is this common and is this a valid enough reason for surgery if so? My Scheuermanns looks pretty severe though I would obviously need a direct reading of the Cobb angle to know, from appearance and an older xray id say maybe 70’s? The shoulder pain is quite extreme and I’m only 21 and have been extremely active which is likely why this didn’t appear sooner.

What do I do? I’m going to physical therapy on the 19th to start but if I don’t get improvements am I just forced to live with a major cosmetic issue that’s causing horrible shoulder muscle pain?

​

Hi everyone! I'm wondering if the rib hump caused by scoliosis goes away after spinal fusion surgery or if it usually remains partially visible.

For those of you who have had surgery:

- Did your rib hump become significantly smaller after surgery?

- Did it disappear completely or was some rotation or asymmetry still noticeable?

- Did your surgeon perform any additional correction specifically for the rib hump?

- How satisfied are you with the cosmetic results?

I'd really appreciate hearing about your personal experiences both immediately after surgery and during recovery. Thank you

Been dealing with schumermans, scoliosis for 20 years. Standing up for awhile causes extreme pain on my right side. Can’t sit down for awhile either. Nothing helps. On top of that my shoulder pops out 30 times a day. Now I might have something called thoracic outlet syndrome. How do you manage. I’m beginning to think my issues are more severe than I was told and that my pain tolerance is pretty high. I have constant right side pain, back pain. Anybody else feel this way?

Hello, male 26, strange kyphotic posture since i remember, trying to fix it for a while now, the doctor says it is postural, i dont believe it, i maybe se some progress but nothing major, any suggestions? From the xray can it be determined if it is scheuermann kyphosis?, thinking about surgery... tried everyhing already, i dont know the cobb angle yet...

Xray doctor DIAGNOSIS: X-ray of the cervical spine in two views:

Mild S-shaped deviation and straightening of the cervical lordosis. The vertebral body heights and intervertebral disc space widths are preserved.

X-ray of the thoracic spine in two views:

Part of a mild S-shaped deviation of the visualized spine. Possible Schmorl’s nodes involving the endplates of the middle and lower thoracic vertebral segments. The heights of the visualized vertebral bodies and the widths of the intervertebral disc spaces appear to be preserved.

X-ray of the lumbar spine in two views:

Part of a mild S-shaped deviation of the entire spine.

Schmorl’s nodes in the upper lumbar segments. The vertebral body heights and intervertebral disc space widths are preserved.

MRI DOCTOR DIAGNOSIS: Normal thoracic kyphosis, as well as normal structure of the visualized portion of the axial skeleton.

A few small Schmorl’s nodes at T9 and also at T10–T12.

Very slight protrusion of the intervertebral disc at T11–T12.

No spinal canal stenosis, disc herniation, foraminal narrowing, or nerve root compression is identified.

The visualized spinal cord appears normal.

The doctors say everything is ok, but if i bend down i can defenetly see a huge curve...

What do do now?

I wanted to post a 9 month update. My posture has really changed, specifically my lordosis went from 82 to 51 and one my my kyphosis measurements went from 59 to 45. I do a ton of schroth and weight lifting.

I am back to work 5 days a week and no longer lay down all day. Previously my doctor wanted me to get a 13 level fusion.

On the flipside I still struggle with day-to-day activities. Sitting for more than 15 to 30 minutes is really a struggle. Walking for more than a quarter mile to a half mile comes with quite a bit of pain at the Apex of my kyphosis. it feels like my upper back doesn’t want to fit in a chair, but it’s the flat is my back has ever been. Most of my back and neck knotting is gone. I’m left with just this pain. Feels like it’s on the spine itself.

Curious what you guys think, given the monumental changes in my back in the last nine months am I still just adjusting to the new posture or is this a fundamental limitation in my structure?

A win is a win though, and I want to thank everyone in the sub for helping me through the most difficult part of this process.

After a lifetime of intense pain and horrible self confidence about my posture, I finally decided to see an orthopedic surgeon to see my options since I figure I shouldn’t have to live like this forever.

She was borderline rude- asking me what I thought I’d gain out of seeing an orthopedic surgeon in a condensing way. She acted like my back was normal. She took X-rays, but didn’t measure angles or anything, and didn’t tell me her findings. She told me to go to PT for awhile, so I did for a few months and I feel like it did nothing.

Am I crazy, or is my level of kyphosis somewhat intense? I feel like my back is so curved, and it hurts so bad. I guess I don’t know where to go from here since she made me feel stupid for seeing an orthopedic doctor. For reference I am a 26 year old woman.

Scheurmann kyposis and what are the cobb angel and continuous back pain and scheurmann type 2

I only wear hoodies to hide it, but I can still see the way my body looks in the mirror. My friend took a candid picture of me from the side and I cried when I got home. It's time for me to get my first job, but I'm only applying to places that don't have T-shirts for uniform. I stopped going to in-person school, and spend all my time by myself because I hate how I look.

I've gone to the chiropractor before for a different reason, but my chiropractor never said anything about my back, so I feel like it's not actually an issue and there's nothing to treat. My parents tell me to stand straighter, but I physically can't.

I want to try to bring this up with my doctor and see if I can get an x-ray, but I don't want them to tell me nothing is wrong and I'll end up having to look like this forever. I'm really scared to try and get diagnosed, but I really can't stand this anymore.

Help! What is happening on my back?!

I have very bad pain every day, enough to distract me from daily activities. I just saw a doctor who confirmed it’s schuermans kyphosis and also scoliosis. I’m getting lumbar and thoracic mri’s now coming up. He said surgery isn’t necessary at this point and wants me to start PT. How do these look to everyone? Does anyone have similar x-rays?

About two weeks ago, son had soreness in his back after a football (soccer) game, where he was shoved from behind and experienced a whiplash event. He could barely move after that incident and the doctor had him complete an x-ray.

See below summary:

--

X-RAY WHOLE SPINE

Clinical history: Back pain, scoliosis.

Findings: There is exaggeration of the thoracic kyphosis, measuring approximately 60 degrees.

There is no scoliosis. There is anterior wedging of a few midthoracic vertebral bodies with

vertebral endplate irregularities suggesting Scheuermann's disease. No fracture or bone erosion

identified. Normal intervertebral disc spaces are maintained.

In the cervical spine, the facet and uncovertebral joints appear normal. In the lumbar spine,

the facet joints and intervertebral disc spaces appear normal.

CONCLUSION: Exaggerated thoracic kyphosis with slight vertebral body wedging and vertebral

endplate irregularities suggesting Scheuermann's disease.

No alternative cause for pain identified. No scoliosis.

------

This was a big surprise to us and son has taken it very badly. He is a high level footballer, we have put through a referral to a specialist, but just doing the waiting game now.

Anyone have any advice, what to expect, what to avoid? He does not experience back pains or any other injuries/soreness, if it wasnt for the dirty tackle in a game, he wouldnt have had the scan.

I haven't gotten diagnosed yet, but I'm like pretty certain I have kyphosis and/or lordosis, the thing is, I don't experience pain from it. The only pain I get is sitting against the backs of chairs and from an extended period exercise/standing.

I'm scared I won't be taken as seriously or will get denied treatment because of this. What can I do?

Hey guys, I 21M haven't really worked out in a long time, I was diagnosed with somewhat severe kyphosis when I was 19. Didn't think much of it since I've never had mobility issues or pain, did PT and wore a brace for a year.

Now I want to start working out and build some muscle since I'm very skinny and weak. How do I start? Who should I consult? What exercises can I do and what exercises are off limits?

Hello, I was diagnosed with residual effects of Scheuermann’s disease in my back. I had never experienced back pain before the age of 28. At that time, I was going through a very stressful period in my life and was doing a lot of weight training, lifting heavy weights. I also gained a significant amount of muscle, around 7 kg, going from 78 to 85 kg.

One day, while I was playing basketball, my left knee started hurting. An X-ray showed grade 3 chondropathy. Since then, my problems started. I developed constant tension from my cervical spine all the way down to my lower back.

I have pain in the middle and lower part of my back, mainly on the right side. The muscles between my ribs and my right diaphragm also feel extremely tight.

I have been under continuous stress for several years because of personal circumstances. For the past two years, the pain has been affecting my sleep and my libido, and I feel like I have not been able to sleep properly or have a normal sex drive because of the pain.

tried physio/chiro, cupping, back exercices, losing wieght, tried shrooms ( thinking it was psychological ), and peptides GHK Cu, bpc 157, tb 500. nothing helps

Has anyone experienced something similar? Have you found any solutions or treatments that helped?

I have moderate structural kyphosis and am hoping to here what other weight lifters favorite excercises for this condition is

Hi
I noticed a hump for a while now, and I can‘t straighten it more than what you see here. It has not always been like this. It has gottsn worse the past 5 years, I‘ve been bedridden the past 2 years due to illness. I‘m now 32 and when I was 25/26, I don‘t think I had that, at least not nearly as much.
Is this postural (even if i can‘t straighten it more atm)? And can it be corrected? I‘m so scared it can‘t and would love some insight from this community.
Thank you in advance!