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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Back Shoulder Issues after Cervical Fusion
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Back Shoulder Issues after Cervical Fusion
by dkczech, Apr 25, 2004 12:00AM
I am a 60 year old female who was a front seat passeger in a car roll-over in June, 2003.
I suffered a 70% dislocation of C5 and tip of C6 process was fractured, thereby preventing the spinal cord from being severed.
Before the eight-hour surgery, a 20-lb. weight was used to straighten the dislocation, resulting in a 15% dislocation after fusion (which is why the doctor fused C3 to T2 with two titanium rods, stabilized by a crossbar).
Fortunately, no paralysis resulted from either the accident or the surgery.
The neck brace was removed after 4 months with a diagnosis-successful fusion.
The problem: I wake up with a stiff (left) neck and my trapezius muscles(left side, much more than the right) feel as if someone has set 50 lb. weights on them (spasms?). This is my waking condition and it gets worse as the day unfolds.
By 2 pm, my stamina has worn thin and by 7 pm, I am laying on a sofa with a hotpack under my shoulders. By 10 pm, I feel "crippled."
My constant companions are a "theracane" and a battery-operated massager, both providing fleeting relief.
To try to alleviate the problem I have tried: weeks of physical therapy, theraputic massage, yoga, and acupuncture at a pain management clinic. Also take Zanaflex.
The constant misery has been slightly alleviated since last October; but, I am not sure if this is a result of therapy or simply time.
I would like to dispense of the theracane and live a more normal life. Do you have any further suggestions for therapy or relief?
I suffered a 70% dislocation of C5 and tip of C6 process was fractured, thereby preventing the spinal cord from being severed.
Before the eight-hour surgery, a 20-lb. weight was used to straighten the dislocation, resulting in a 15% dislocation after fusion (which is why the doctor fused C3 to T2 with two titanium rods, stabilized by a crossbar).
Fortunately, no paralysis resulted from either the accident or the surgery.
The neck brace was removed after 4 months with a diagnosis-successful fusion.
The problem: I wake up with a stiff (left) neck and my trapezius muscles(left side, much more than the right) feel as if someone has set 50 lb. weights on them (spasms?). This is my waking condition and it gets worse as the day unfolds.
By 2 pm, my stamina has worn thin and by 7 pm, I am laying on a sofa with a hotpack under my shoulders. By 10 pm, I feel "crippled."
My constant companions are a "theracane" and a battery-operated massager, both providing fleeting relief.
To try to alleviate the problem I have tried: weeks of physical therapy, theraputic massage, yoga, and acupuncture at a pain management clinic. Also take Zanaflex.
The constant misery has been slightly alleviated since last October; but, I am not sure if this is a result of therapy or simply time.
I would like to dispense of the theracane and live a more normal life. Do you have any further suggestions for therapy or relief?
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS, Apr 29, 2004 12:00AM
First, I assume that you have had imaging of your spine since the surgery. This would be performed to ensure that your spinal cord is not be impinged, typically above the fusion level. What you are describing could be consistent with muscles spasms which occur due to injury of nerves, most likely at the time of the dislocation. It may have not been sever enough to produce weakness, but could still cause these pains.
To have this evalauted I would recommend having a second opinion at a large academic spine center. They should be able to review the films and your exam and come up with some conclusions. Other treatment options include other muscle relaxants such as baclofen or benzodiazepines. If this is determined to be muscle spasms, then localized botulin toxin injections into the area may be of some use. Good luck.
To have this evalauted I would recommend having a second opinion at a large academic spine center. They should be able to review the films and your exam and come up with some conclusions. Other treatment options include other muscle relaxants such as baclofen or benzodiazepines. If this is determined to be muscle spasms, then localized botulin toxin injections into the area may be of some use. Good luck.
