Lumbar pain after spine surgery 3 years ago

Dear Ask The Doctor: Had L5 fusion 3yrs ago. 2 rods are still in-attached to tailbone and top attachment unsure where tho xrays show apx 8inches. experiencing pain stiffness and must be in fetal pos to cough sneeze etc to aviod excruciating pain. should i have them removed? will this alleviate pain?

Dear Cheryl: The back pain might be due to a nerve compression that is producing an inflammatory process affecting nerve roots (neuritis), maybe the previous back surgery  might have created adherences in the region causing some degree of nerve compression. It is not recommended at this point to remove the material until the stability of the involved segment of the spine is confirmed and the cause of the pain be determined exactly. The treatment strategy would be as follows:  try to keep a proper posture, avoiding repetitive lumbosacral stress (example weight lifting), adhering to a healthy lifestyle and proper nutrition, physical activity as tolerated, losing excess of weight and during the pain crisis a physical therapy program should be followed and aimed to reduce pain and inflammation. If after practice to the letter all that, you show poor response to these measures, a orthopedic surgeon re evaluation may be considered.