Question:

I am a letter carrier. I fractured T-8 and crushed T-9 about 2.5 years ago. I had a 3 bone fusion, T-8 to T-10. I now have problems walking fast enough to complete my route. If I walk as fast as I used to I have problems with pain above and below, mainly below, the fusion. I do not use a shoulder bag, but a hip bag. After about 6.5 to 7 hours of standing and walking my pain level starts going up and by 8 hours it is very uncomfortable. Is this something that will improve with time? If so how much time should I expect? Are there any exercises that will help? Thank you for your help in this matter.

Answer:

Thank you for visiting NetWellness. On this site, we try to answer general questions about health but cannot diagnose or recommend treatment. You appear to have some very, very specific questions about your condition, which can only be answered properly by a physician who is familiar with your history, physical exam, and test results. I would recommend that you go back and talk to your surgeon or get an appointment to see somebody new if you can’t see the surgeon from before. Take care.

For more information:

Go to the Spine and Back Health health topic.