Post surgical pain after cervical disc replacement

[Tammyin Saipan]

Pain after having an artificial disc replacement~
I had ruptured discs at c5, c6, c7 and the surgery was to use an artificial disc at c6 to alleviate pain.
Right after surgery, I felt great, but about 2 years post surgery, started having pain again.
Now, and dealing with severe headaches that start at the base of my skull, and are like tension headaches.
Also, severe muscle spasms in upper back and shoulder areas (both sides) that are not responding to muscle relaxers, exercise, massage, or ultra sound therapy.
Help! Need some advice!
Had an MRI and MRA about 3 weeks ago, that show no reason in the brain as to why I am having such bad headaches, there is no rhyme or reason to the episodes either.
They can happen in an instant and can go away quickly or linger for a day or two.
The disc is the Prestige artificial disc, and I am involved in a study group.
The doctor that did the surgery says that the pain I am experiencing is not from the disc itself, so he is no help.
I feel like my shoulder and the sides of my neck are constantly tensed up, and I can crack or pop my neck sometimes and that relieves the pressure, but some days, the pain is so intense, I just want to take something to make it all go away!
I do have an office job, but try to get up and walk around the office often, and I do exercise often, walking, SCUBA diving, light weight lifting.
Any suggestions would be great!
Thanks

[mrsBeads]

I had an artificial disc replacement,-- C5-6 the Bryan artificial disc in March 2004.
I am now experiencing pain in my other arm and back of my neck.  I am in the study here in Reno, Nev.  I was rear ended in 2005, 1-1/2 years ago. I have just recently started having this right arm /neck pain.  Something is just not right.-?I am taking percocet almost every day,had an x-ray and they said everything looked ok.  i am now waiting for an approval for MRI - somethingis not right in my neck!!  I AM GETTING NERVOUS ABOUT THE PAIN. I will keep you posted.  anyone else with problems 2 years after adr??

[Tammyin Saipan]

I am thinking that something is not alright with my neck after hearing all of you out there with the same issues!
I feel like the muscles in my neck and shoulder have been injured or something.
I only take a muscle relaxer when I feel I really need it, but have been living with pain for way too long now!
I am still active in the study group for Spokane, Washington, but am having my x-rays taken here in Saipan.
Mrs. Beads, please keep me posted on your MRI!
I am ready to call my Doctor today and tell them something has to be going on in my neck!

[sandyriker]

My husband had the prestige disc placed in his cervical spine in Oct. 2006. Although the pain is different from prior to the surgery, he has headaches, the weather really effects him and he is in constant pain, activity can really make things worse. It is like the pain(after the surgery) has never gone away. Some days are really bad other days are not. It is really hard to find information from others who have also had pain post surgery. We are not thrilled with the thought of injections that may or may not work and are concerned about the prossibility of taking meds for the rest of his life. I am glad for the post, I wish there were study results somewhere. It has been a long hard road, if anyone has had experience with anything that really helps with the pain, muscle aches and headaches I would truly appreciate hearing from them.

[Radiochic]

Ok.. I am not losing my mind. I have had 2 fusions C4-C7. in one year. Still in pain. Different pain than before the surgeries. Numbness in right index finger. Pain in left shoulder and numbness in shoulders that radiates up my neck. Recently went to a different Dr. and they said SECOND opinion. My x-rays shows one of my cages is crooked. I am so scared after having 2 surgeries already, Thought it was in my head. NOT!   Weather affects me.. good days and bad. I hear crunching in my neck when I move my neck certain ways. Recent Dr. said my neck is crooked..too. Looking for answers.  
Renee In Texas

[breazeal02]

I had c6&7 May 07 and am in more pain then be for I had the surgery.  I am taking pain meds but do not no for how much longer. The pain is unreal funs down the back of my neck down my left shoulder my arm hand numdness in my ring and little finger I have also have mind bending head ach  I can call them that because I have a history of bad head ach, and these are not the same.  I have had mri of my head and neck I am told that there is no reason for the pain.  PLESAE HELP   PLEASE  

[shandy10]

I just found this forum and I am looking for help if there is any.  I read some of the comments and just about burst into tears.  I had a car accident in Nov.'07 and just had a Prestige Artificial Disk replacement done on Jan'08.  I had a ruptured disk with two bulging above and below. The doctor said this would help but by the end of January, I have had a severe headache every day.  I also have shooting pain through the left shoulder blade and left arm.  Muscles hurt all the time feel so much tension.  I thought I was just needing to get through for a few months but doesn't seem to get any better. He also said it looked a little crooked at the last check-up after surgery but thought it was my posture. I am going for my 3 month check up this next week and looking to see if this is normal.  Any help on questions to ask my doctor would be great.  They are trying to lower my dosage of pain meds but I can't function with all this nagging pain.  Is this normal?  Any response is welcomed!  God bless you all!

[sdelbaggio]

My friend just found this for me.  I had the Kineflex Disc Repleacement in April 2006.  I awoke with some pain in my neck.  Within 3 weeks I had a headache that has never gone away.  The pain has a life of it's own.  It grows in intensity so that about every 6-10 days I am stuck in bed for 1-2 days with a really headache, sometimes so bad that I have been stuck on the bathroom floor.  I have managed to have a child through all of this and am terrified that she is going to grow up with a mother who cannot get out of bed to play with her.  It is horribly dibilitating and somewhat frustrating to live in this body that I no longer recognize.  I wish someone could find the answer.  I take 9 medicines a day and that is only keeping me functioning, which I guess is a blessing.  Does any one else feel this way?

[bev62]

I didn't have the disks replaced but I did have a two level fusion (C5-C7) in Nov 2006.  My pain is much worse since surgery and no one can explain why.  I've just found out that the disk below the fusion is ruptured now.  I also have two small children and feel so guilty for not being the mother I should be due to the constant pain and depression. I don't know if this will ever end. I know exactly how you feel, sdelbaggio. I take 14 pills a day plus a pain patch.

[beachbum757]

Had fusions done with fusion cage, rods, etc.
Have pain daily. Working in the construction industry probably doesn't help things.
As mentioned above some days are worse than others and everything from headaches to leg cramps, neck and back pain.
Feel like the best I have to look forward to is a life on pain meds and all the side effects that go along with that.

[car1955]

I had two discs replaced C5/6-6/7 on 4/9/08.So its been almost 4 months.I was coming along good until recently.I have been going to physical therapy 3x a week,in the pool,hardly any meds just klonopin at night.Now all of a sudden I'm in so much pain.Much like what your all discribing.Pain on my left side of my head,up into my head,down my back ,pain,pins and needles.The doctor says Oh your muscles took on bad habits from all the years of pain(before the surgery)So now the physical therapist is stretching my neck .I don't want to take pills.I'm out of work on disability.I really thought I was cured now I'm so deppressed.I think just the amount of X-rays that we are all getting may kill us I'm so worried about taking pills(my best friend died from perscription pill abuse) (also severe chronic pain)I was on Morphine(kadian)before the surgery.I don't know what to do.Sometimes I think my husband does'nt even listen to me anymore(although hes great does everything for me)He thinks I should be better and tells everyone I am.Thanks for listening----

[blackbird13]

Hi I am 33 years old. I had c 5-6 fused in 2006. This surgery went great! I had a bit of weakness left over on my right side, nothing incredibly noticable. This april I underwent my second surgery c4-5. Prior to the surgery I had severe weakness down the right side of my body, and burning in both hands and feet. The disc ruptured out onto my spinal cord. Since the surgery I have had three MRI's and a mylenogram. I kept thinking I ruptured another disc because I have leg cramps, arm cramps, that come and go. I now have burning in my hands and feet??? My symptoms wax and wane? I take vicodin sometimes as well as tramadol. I am so paranoid about rupturing another disc. The pain I can live with but the burning sensations are horrible! The doctors don't see anything wrong with my surgery sites. There is nothing there to cause these problems. They tell me it takes many months up to a full year for nerves to heal, depending on the severity of compression. They say I am taking a while to heal, and I may never get better? Any body else feel like this? thanks

[shandy10]

Haven't been on in a while. I do have some information that may or may not help with the headaches. While I still have a lot of pain, I am told I have nerve damage which may take a while to heal. I still take up to 3 somas a day and 3-4 norco a day but my Neuroscience specialist sent me to a headache specialist and they put me on a drug called DHE-45. I had to take it over memorial wkend. My husband had to give me 2 shots a day for 5 days and they gave me a drug called topamax (anti-seizure med.). I do feel it shocked my system and the headaches are only there maybe once a week. It did allow me to pin point more of where my pain was. The headaches used to keep me in my bedroom with the curtains closed. Now I can at least feel human again. I did take myself off of the topamax because it causes your hands and feet to feel like they are sleep all the time. Very irritating. Maybe this may help some of you, at least with the headaches. God bless you all!

[DM1650]

I just had a C5/C6 Prodisc C artificial disc replacement  on 29 Sept 08. I am still in severe pain. The Norco meds make me sick and I am experiencing additional increased pain on both sides of the neck, shoulders....I don't feel any better. I was suprised the doctor did not precribe therapy, soft collar and he scheduled my follow up appt for 30 days latter. No instructions on should I change the bandages or care to see me sooner. This was a Dept Veterans Affairs operation that was contracted out due to backlog. I hope I get better with time. If they recommend this operation, I recommend you do not see my doctor due to lack of concern & or passion for his patiences.....

[shandy10]

I am truly sorry for any one who has to go through this type of surgery and pain.  I had my Prestige Disc replacement C5/C6 done on Jan. 8 2008.  I had a check-up appt. about 3 weeks after the replacement.  I was put in a soft collar and had mobility pretty much right after. I felt pretty good for the first few weeks but then the pain set in.  I have had alot of pain ever since. I am still on the Norco and Soma's daily.  My doctor prescribed physical therapy around May.  They said not every one has to have therapy but I also have severe Fibromyalgia. They want to make sure the disc stays in good shape and form before they do therapy.  They should also give you something for the nausea. I have a CTscan/spinal tap scheduled to make sure everything is ok.  From all the research I have done regarding this it seems that just about everyone still has symptoms but I would still recommend this surgery for the mobility.  My disc was ruptured and fragmented very badly, I had no choice. This forum has helped me in the sense that I know I am not imagining what I am going throughand it's good to talk to other people going through the same thing that you are. Can you get a different doctor? That might be a start for you. God Bless you.

[perricone]

I had two fusion surgeries within the past 2 years.  I too am now experiencing tingling in my fingers and neck and shoulder pain.  My doc prescribed vicodin and a muscle relaxer and physical therapy.  So far, nothing is working.  I desperately need to get advice on now what to do.   My doc won't order another MRI, he just looked at the one I had 9 months ago and went on that.  Is that normal?

[shandy10]

Has anyone ever had a myelogram done?  If so what do I have to look forward to? I am having it done on wed. They told me the procedure takes about 80 mins and that I have to lay down in the car when I go back home. Our drive home is about 2 hrs. Just trying to plan ahead. Any help would be grateful.

[kambizk]

I had **** fusion c5/c6 in may 2006 and i was doing great till few months ago. INow I have disk bulging in c4/c5 and thinking about prestige disck replacement. any one had fusion first and then disc replacement?

[dallas6524]

Ive had a two level disc replacement done and am still having leg and back pain. Doctors telling me i shouldnt be having any pain so hes sending for an mri has anyone had any problems with the new disc replacements

[melb31]

I had a prodisc replacement May 13, 2009.c 5-6. I like many others I've read have severe muscle pain and spasm. My muscles in my shoulders and shoulder blades are constantly enlarged and spasming.Very frustrating. My motion is better from left to right but up and down is excrutiating. I go tomorrow for my 1 month follow up but the jury is still out on this surgery being successful. Still taking the pain meds, but nerve pain is better, now I have to see how long it takes to heal the damage.

[nicknamenoonehas]

I see a lot of the same problems here; I hope this will help someone; I had cervical fusion in late 2005. Was nauseous and ill for well over a month after; and extreme pain going up back of head; and right sided neck muscles tense and hard; was horrible; lost 40 pounds. Had aweful burning down arms for a bit afterwards too. In summary ,the post surgery was way worse than the surgery. And the doctors could not say why, and some put me on a lot of drugs and, I feel, treated me a bit like a widget on a factory floor.

Anyway, a couple of things helped; no. 1 was time; I am still  not right after three years but better than post surgical; 2. I think light massage and warm showers can help to reduce muscle tension; 3. they had me on a ton of meds, including vicodin, which ultimately make things worse. I think getting off the drugs helps if at all possible and 4. I found one drug to be helpful with minimal effects for me; Klonopin; it is for anxiety but was given to me to try as a light muscle relaxant, and it worked without many side effects at all; just a low dose is just enough to relax the muscles a little without getting in the way of function; reduces the tension and takes the edge off; the pain killers post surgery were making me crazy and a doctor suggested stopping all drugs possible and just a light dose of Klonopin and it took the edge off and made things somewhat manageable. I don't know if this will work the same for any of you, but there you are if it helps.

Anyway, hope this helps someone at least get to functional; now I need to figure out how to actually feel good again because although it is liveable now, it still rarely feels good and often hurts...but at least now liveable and thank God for that; never give up!  best regards

[punkins241]

i had a prestige disc put in my c-7 in 2007 was taken out in 2008 and a 2 level fusion was proformed.  c-6 c-7 cages were installed.. the artif. disc.. was crooked ended up not being a candidate for that. still have major headaches..right side shoulder neck area and my 4th and 5th finger go to sleep all the time. had emg done had evidence of alnur nerve damage.. going to see a rehab med doctor fri hope he can help
i think the artif disc damaged my c-8 nerve or something i got hurt at work in may of 2007 had shoulder surgury and two neck surguries. i want the doctors to take a xray of my whole spine but they have not  any  going through the same thing help me out please they have me working 4 hours a day in a office and i am driving 84 mile a day to work it is torsher driving really make me flare up . i can hardly stand it anymore..i am take 6 vicoden and 8 tramadol a day to deal with this and driving on this many med scares me thanks john sorry if i bored you this is the first time i have posted something on the internet....

[cmorrison]

I had c5-c6 disc removal/fusion.  It has bee 2 weeks now and I still have pain in the right upper arm area.  Like someone is stabbing me.  Anyone else????

[MiriamH]

I have had the c3-4 fusion, with cadaver bone and the plates and screws.  Then had to go back in and have c5-6 done.  This was over two years ago and I too suffer from all the symptons most of you have.  I have also gone through all of the so called "remedies".  None have worked for me either.  Some of you have asked for more pain meds; but non of you have mentioned how hard these are on you liver or the fact that you are constently constipated.  Most of the Drs. recommend pain mangagement, which I think is BS... I don't want to manage it, I want it to go away.  Sometimes I wonder if the pain is from the plate and the screws we have in our neck and have thought of going back to my Neuro Surgeon to ask him to remove them.  But now I see that even people with the artificial discs, with no plate and screws have the same symptons.  Now I don't know what to do....Is Dr. House the only physician that can cure anyone these days???

[nkpn]

Had disc replacement C6-7 4 days ago w/prestige disc.  Had herniated disc into spinal canal. Was in excruciating pain before in upper back, shoulder.  Severe left arm pain.  Woke up from surgery, all pain gone (except sore throat).  Felt like I could run a marathon.  Meds have worn off which has slowed me down some.  Having some upper back pain and cramping, residuals from surgery.  Drastic improvement from the nerve pain.  Feeling best thing I have ever done at this point.  Will keep you informed.  Did try accupuncture for pain before surgery, did help some.