Spinal stabilisation surgery for L2 burst fracture

scols73

Hi Everyone,

I'm here for some advice I guess!

I fell down my stairs at the beginning of December 2024 and this caused a burst fracture of my L2 and a spinal canal reduction of 35%. I was given a brace to wear for 2 weeks to see if my spine would stabilise, but sadly this didn't work - my L2 collapsed further and so I had to have spinal stabilisation surgery at the end of December 2024.

I'm 3 months into my recovery and am having physio every 2 weeks.

I just wondered if it was normal to still be in pain? My back pain is awful after standing or walking for longer than 5-10 minutes, the pain goes into and around my hips and groin, my right leg often feels heavy and it aches as though it's about to start with pins and needles, I have a slight tremor in my right hand.

My physiotherapist says my right side must have taken the brunt as my muscles have just gone to sleep on that side. My balance isn't great either.

The surgery apparently went well - the rods and screws they inserted into my L1 and L3 are firmly in place and the consultants are happy with the result....however, they almost seem to dismiss my pain and post surgery issues? I feel they think that as my surgery has been successful, I should now be fine? My O/T thinks that they will just be concerned with the work they have done, and they do not really get involved in the aftercare - that's the physios job!

Can I ask for your opinions please? SHOULD I be pain-free by now, and able bodied? I definitely am not, and wondered if this is normal? My physio has said my recovery will take between 12 to 18 months and that I have to accept there will be things I can never do again. She also said I will always suffer with my back now, due to the severe injury.

Has anyone else had this injury and surgery and if so, how long did your recovery take? Were you able to return to work?

Also, were you able to claim PIP?

All/Any thoughts and advice would be greatly appreciated!

Many thanks!

Holly_Scope

Hi @scols73 and welcome to the community. I'm so sorry you've not had a response to this yet. Unfortunately I don't have much knowledge on this particular subject but I hope your recovery is going well. Did you manage to make any progress with looking at the benefits you're able to claim whilst recovering?

Best wishes,

gemslover

hello. sorry to hear about your pain. i don't have the same problem but i've been immobile now for about 9 months on and off. keep badgering the docs. it's taken me from 1 nov 2024 to may 2025 for them to get the dosage right. 3 weeks of no pain.

i'm on pregabalin for trapped sciatic nerve. i also found dr rowe on youtube for his exact stretches you need. he's a chiropractor. but be careful. every stretch up to recently made it worse!

i don't know hwat you can take for your exact problem. most pills send you to sleep.

just don't give up. we're here for you and yes go and get PIP. describe your absolute worst day. tell them what you can't do. you should get it.

hope you get better soon.. xxxxxx lots of love