Broken neck

Two months ago I fractured C4, 5 and 6, surgury was required where they used rods and plates and one bone graft to fix my injury, everything came back as the bruising on my spine went down.  Three days ago I went to the orthopedist for an appointment and the doctor said it was time I started keeping my neck brace off whille I was at home but I still have to wear it when Im in a vehicle for a further two months.  A day later I started getting a tingling numbness in my fingertips like when your arm or leg goes to sleep.  It comes and goes, but I still have full movement and sensitivity in my fingers.  Is this a side affect of my muscles getting used to being used again putting pressure on my spine or is there a more serious problem.  I dont wanna make a trip to the doctors for nothing.  Its only in my fingers and hand in both hands but still have complete sensativity(smoothness, roughness, heat, cold, etc).

[Godofredo MD]

Hi.

It would be likely that the tingling sensations may be due to some nerve irritations as a result of the surgery done on the cervical spine. It is common for some discomfort and numbness to occur when the spine is again subjected to normal stress. This sensation should resolve as healing progresses.

If the symptoms persist for a long time, then it is the time for you to consult your surgeon.

Hope this helps.