Question
Five years ago I had a starburst fracture to my T10-11 vertebrae.  It was fused and I currently have rods and screws securing that area.

Recently, with sudden onset and no explainable injury, I am experiencing sharp, piercing pain on my left side of spine (slightly lower than the fusion.  Pain is much worse with slight bending,or twisting though bending straight down is not a problem.  Also, I am experiencing burning pain in my right elbow area.  Onset occurred at the same time.  Compression helps the pain.  Are these related or coincidence?  I did not have any issues following the surgery.  In January 2008 I was involved in an automobile accident where I was hit from behind and propelled into a car in front of me.  Neck and right arm pain occurred for the first two months following.  General back pain, though mild, began shortly there after.  Note:  I am very physically active via sole caretaker of a horse farm.

Answer
Bambi,
It appears that you have had some trouble with the after effects of the surgery and also the car accident.  I cannot stress enough the importance of getting your nervous system and spine checked by an Upper Cervical Specific Doctor.  This doctor will focus 100% on the cause of your health problems and does not employ any drugs, radiation, or surgery.  So not only does it make sense for best healthcare results but it is completely safe as well.
Please send me your whereabouts so I can find someone that I can wholeheartedly recommend.
Yours in Best Health,
Dr Rob Arnone
St Louis, MO

PS  I apologize for the late response as we have recently had boy-girl twins and I have been crowding the hour to say the least.