Hello, I had a spinal fusion in May 2008. (L4/L5) Six months later during physical therapy something happened during a stretch. I have been in pain since. I pain has been increasing. I had an MRI in July that shows an L4/L5 slip. I have not worked since 2007. I was offered a job as a special education teacher. Is it safe to accept this position? I do not want to end up in a wheelchair.
Hi, As you had lumbar antithesis at L4-5 level post trauma during physiotherapy so if the injury is stable which can be decided upon MRI Finding & clinical examination it can be managed conservatively by1) Avoiding bending forward 2) regular physiotherapy 3) warm compression4) Vitamins (methylcobalamine, folic acid etc.)5) analgesic, proton pump inhibitor, muscle relaxant as and when required 6) LS Corset belt if required Otherwise is unstable then operative fixation may require.  So in my opinion Visit an orthopedic surgeon preferably spine center for further management and opinion (If you have stable injury and can perform the job if spinal mobility can be mobilized during working hours). Hope this will help. For any queries feel free to ask THANKS N REGARDS