C5 discectomy

[Shawn]

I had a c5 discectomy in 1994. The Doctor did not fuse the vertebre and my recovery was quite easy. I have had very few problems other than minor discomfort since the surgery.  About 2 weeks ago, the muscles in the left side of my neck, left shoulder and down the left side of my spine suddenly cramped. The pain in my back is gone, but I still do not have full range of motion in my neck.  I still have pain in the back of my shoulder, fore arm, and it comes and goes in my fingers. What happened? Is  this type of thing common over time, or have I somehow reinjured myself?

[Thomas]

Dear Shawn: You are probably experiencing referred muscle spasms called scalenus anticus syndrome.  Do you recall injuring your neck muscles prior to the onset of your pain?? I try some physical therapy and medicines before obtaining an MRI.  Ask your pcp for a medrol dose pack and some muscle relaxants.  If your arm symptoms don't get better ask for a good closed MRI scan to make sure you previous diskectomy site (or the level above or below)is the problem.  Was your surgery from the front or the back??  If it was done from behind the entire disc was not removed and there is always a chance of recurrence.  Wish you the best......Tom

[Thomas]

Dear Shawn:

[mandy n]

Dear Shawn - i too have had back surgery - i had a lamenectomy ( L3/4 ) in 1990, a further one in 1996, discectomy in 1997 --and finally a full spinal fusion - front and back - 5 months ago! Im now feeling great - im out of pain - i had real bad sciatica and low back pain - i couldnt do anything - it totally ruled my life. In fact i had no life - i exsisted.
After the operations - on two of them - i too suffered from the symptoms you talk about - i had neck pain and it effected my arms , hands and shoulders. My surgeon said not to worry and that i may have injured my neck somewhat - he said it probably would ease off by itself - and it did  about  6 weeks later. Of course if yours doesnt ease - see the surgeon and again - dont put yourself at risk by thinking its nothing important.
I hope this helps a bit - hope youre feeling better soon -- and should you need further surgery go for it if they think it will help. - the fusion was my answer - i wish they offered it to me years ago.
Love Mandy x

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Shawn:

I am sorry to hear about your problems.  I am not sure what to tell you.  The left sided changes may or may not be related to the disc.  It is hard to tell, because one sided problems usually means that only one side of the spinal cord is effected.  This may be related to your previous problem that caused the disc removal, or it may not.  C5 can certainly effect the arm and shoulder.  I think you need to tell your neurologist or neurosurgeon about your new problem and see what he/she has to say.  Sorry, I am not much help, but without knowing your previous problem I can't tell you much.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD