I (T12 - 2007) was in the waiting room to see my physiatrist yesterday and was chatting with a gentleman (C5-6 - 1979) who was also waiting. Upon discussing our injuries, we exchanged on our fused vertebrae. I noted that although I'm fused from T10 through L3, I still have quite good range of motion in my back. I certainly cannot do back flips or bridges, but I am still able to pull off a reasonable facsimile to "the cobra" - a yoga pose. He, however, commented that my unfused vertebrae were doing double-time in order for me to accomplish that stretch and that the vertebrae were probably over-extending themselves, which could lead to break-down and problems in the future. I am actually planning to return to my former yoga class at my gym this fall in hopes of regaining my pre-SCI ROM (or at least attempt to) and was wondering if there is any truth to his claim? Has anyone who has been fused for a lengthy time had any issues with non-fused vertebrae as a consequence of having to over-extend them?

My Physiatrist cautioned me about this, too. The vertebra above and below your fusion have to over-extend to compensate for the lack of flexibility. They can see it in x-rays - I think the term is, "flexion" and it could cause fractures in the non-fused vertebra.

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I am a T12 complete para fused from T10 to L2. I am (was) an active handcyclist who rode on average 100 miles a week. The result of this over flexion and extension was Charcot spine or arthropathy. Sometimes this can be localized segmental changes of the spine and rather minor. In my case I suffered the more serious outcome which included loss of disc space, bone sclerosis. osteophyte formation, and large vertebral ossifications. The result is in the inserted image. Being a complete injury I lack the deep pain sensation that is required to tell me to stop when my spine is being destroyed. (Again note the image.) Since you are not complete, you will probably feel back pain when doing activities that are potentially ruining the congruity of your lower spine. Therefore my suggestion is that you be extremely cautious and if possible, get regular x-rays of your lower spine in flexion and extension to see if you are doing any serious damage by continuing to inprove your ROM. My feeling is you will be just fine.