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Alternative pain treatments and lifestyle changes after anterior cervical fusion
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MedHelp Member's Question

Alternative pain treatments and lifestyle changes after anterior cervical fusion

by Susan Logue, Sep 23, 1999 12:00AM
I'm 40 years old and had anterior cervical fusion surgery 2 1/2 years ago. I had ruptured disk C4-5. I was told at the time that the disks above and below the fusion were not in good shape and to be careful. I don't work, I do light strength training 2 days a week and cardio recumbant bike 5 days a week. I continue to suffer debilitating muscle spasms in the neck, trapezius, and mid-back. Is it safe or beneficial to be treated by a chiropractor for the pain? I've also been diagnosed as having myofacial pain and fibromyalgia. I went through all of the trigger point injections and physical therapy a year before I was finally diagnosed with a ruptured disk and subsequently had the surgery. Those treatments helped for a short time but I still had nerve impingement from the disk. Now that the disk is fixed, should I go back for the myofacial treatments again, or should I stick with chiropractic and see if I get any relief. I get very nervous hearing my neck cracking.

Thank you.
Doctor's Answer

by CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS, Sep 23, 1999 12:00AM
Dear Susan:



I have had osteopathic spinal manipulation training, and I believe that after disc herniation you should not have high velocity neck manipulation.  I would not have the chiropractor crack your neck with high velocity treatments.  Actually, I have seen several patients who ruptured their cervical discs after treatment.  I feel that after surgery, PT and vigorous rehab combined with lifestyle changes and compulsive proper positioning of sitting etc. are the best methods to recover from surgery.  The recumb bike is fine.  Try and stay away from heavy weight training and mud wrestling (only kidding).  Part of the pain tolerance is a mind exercise and since your in constant pain, you will need to develop this aspect of rehab.  Talk to your neurologist about rehab and especially the rehab team.



Sincerely,



CCF Neuro MD
Member Comments (40)

by Jo-ANN, Sep 23, 1999 12:00AM
NO, please don't do any chiropratic manipulation!  I also

had anterior cervical disk C5-6, and have more herniations and

spurring on 4-5, 6-7, 7-8-some impinging on spinal cord.

when they say be careful, be careful.  My Dr says no driving

in winter in particular and walking dangerous too. I walk in the

park, but eventually legs will be affected.  Please be careful

and don't trust any chiropractors..one wanted to put me on table

and drop my head and hit my neck with a hammer.  I ran out of there!

not kidding

by Susan Logue, Sep 24, 1999 12:00AM
Thank you Dr. CCF and Jo-ann for your replies. I have gone to two treatments and have been seriously concerned by the way I've felt afterward. I don't plan on going back after hearing from you. Thank You!

Susan

by CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS, Sep 24, 1999 12:00AM
You are welcome.



CCF Neuro MD

by Sandi on Oct. 20,1999, Oct 20, 1999 12:00AM
Can I please have the pros and cons of anterior cervical fusion.  Can I also have information from other patients who  

have had this surgery. Thank You.

by Susan Logue, Oct 21, 1999 12:00AM
Sandi, I can't really tell you pros and cons for your situation but I can tell you mine. Before the surgery, I had terrible arm and shoulder involvement besides the upper back and neck spasms. After the surgery the arm and shoulder stuff was gone, the only thing is, I also had carpal tunnel release during the same surgery. I don't know which one really helped my arm, but I still have deep painful muscle spasms in the same places as I had before the surgery. What I've learned is, you don't have surgery to relieve pain because it usually won't. My doc even told me that before the surgery. If I could go back and do it again, I'd just have had the carpal tunnel release and left my disc in my neck. He took out the disc, replaced it with a donor bone, and held it there with a plate and four screws. The discs above and below the fusion were bad and have much more stress now. As far as the surgery itself, it was pure hell and it took over a year to even recover what I can do now, which aint much. I'd hang on to all the body parts you were born with for as long as you can. Good Luck and God bless. Susan

by CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS, Oct 23, 1999 12:00AM
thanks for your comments.



CCF Neuro MD

by Elaine, Oct 31, 1999 12:00AM
I am scheduled for surgery on Nov. 4 for severe cervical stenosis.  My spinal column at C-4,5 & 6 is almost completely squeezed shut.  I had pain down my left arm in July before the MRI showed the compression but since then I have no pain or problems Now I wondered why I needed the surgery until I saw the MRI myself. I accept that I need surgery but I'm concerned about the recovery and after effects. I will have a bone graft from my hip and I'm told the pain will be more in my hip, with a 12 week recovery.  Any comments will be appreciated.

by Annette, Nov 01, 1999 12:00AM
Good luck Elaine. I had a fusion at C4-5 and 5-6 on Oct. 1st. CAT scan showed more problems than a previous MRI. My pain began oveer 10 years ago with a worsening the past 2. I had been to several chiropractors, massage therapy, neurologist, orthopedic surgeon, pain