Is it better to have a cervical fusion or to live with the Pain?

[JMRIZZ]

I have been experiencing neck pain and arm and hand numbness for almost two years.  I have tried PT,medication, Steroid injection, and traction with no relief.  I am unable to do anything without the increase in neck pain and headache.  I am unsure if the numbness is caused by the neck etiology at C5-6, C6-7, and C7-T1 or by carpal tunnel syndrome as the doctor now believes.  My biggest question is, Should I proceed with surgery if that is what the doctor prescribes.  We had discussed a two level fusion in the beginning, but that was before the second MRI with findings at C7-T1 as well.  I will be seeing the neurosurgeon next week and I am looking for input to help me make my decision.  I am quite sure there are no other conservative measures he will want to try, but then again, I am not a doctor and they are not the one in constant pain, so who knows.  Any thoughts would be appreciated.  Thank you. Jo Ann

[LLWB]

I just underwent a single level fusion at C5-6 on June 4th, after conservative measures failed. I am glad I did it, as I no longer have the headaches every day. My shoulders still hurt, and numbness in fingers, but that can take 6mos to a year to totally heal. I am glad I did it, as the headaches and pain were constant. But don't have experience with multi-level concerns. Good luck.

[JMRIZZ]

Thank you for sharing your experience.  I guess at this point, I can live with the numbness (which ironically, was my reason to seek treatment) if only the constant pain and headaches would go away.  Best wishes on  your speedy recovery.

[timmi]

I had a c1-c2 spinal fusion in 1991 and my husband had a c3-c7 fusion in 2000.  Both of us have some experience with pain and numbness.

It is great that you are considering your options in having surgery.  I would encourage to get multiple opinions from the best surgeons you can arrange.  If I had it to do over again, I would have gone to the Mayo Clinic, something that seemed overly dramatic and impossibly expensive at the time (I live in California).

It has taken me many years to learn to distinguish my pain level and my functioning (because, of course they are related).

Fusions are typically done to prevent further damage to function (stop weakness, numbness, clumsiness; prevent paralysis).  Some people get pain release but there is no guarantee!!!  In fact, some times the pain will be worse.

Maybe you could ask your doctor for a referral to a pain relief expert so you can get help with controlling your pain while you're making this important decision.

Good luck to you!

[patsy10]

I had fusion of c-5/6 two years ago.  I did not do it for pain, even though it was bad.  I did it for numbness and loss of function.  If you have numbness then there may be permanent nerve damage that will never go away.  I've never been right since the surgery...more pain, still have numbness and tingling.  Most people that I know who have had this surgery said they were glad they did it and were much better.  It's a decision you have make on your own.  I recommend as many opinions as you can get from both medical and surgical sides.  Remember, surgeons do surgery so they usually recommend it.  I think an opinion from a neurologist is a good idea.

[JMRIZZ]

Thank you for your comments.  I am still nervous about making a decision, as so many say they have had mixed results.  I cannot imagine having worse pain.  I am unable to do much as it is.  I just wish there was an easy answer.  Jo Ann

[JMRIZZ]

I had an appointment again with my neurosurgeon.  After discussing the continued progression of symptoms and reviewing the MRI scans we have scheduled surgery.  Over the last two years symptoms have become worse.  I have disc problems with C5-6, C6-7, C7-T1 and a three-level cervical fusion is planned.  

I would like to know if there are previous patients on this board who have had good success with fusion surgery and what I should expect.  Thank you for your time. Jo Ann

[LLWB]

I had a C5-6 single fusion on June 4th, and was back to work in a month. I am still recovering slowly (I am 60) but I believe my results will be good in the end. The pain and headaches are gone. I still have left arm weakness and numbness/tingling, but it can take up to a year to heal as much as it will. I'm glad you aren't going to wait any longer. I tried conservative therapy for 6 mos with no appreciable results, and was told it would only get worse. I realise a 3 leval fusion is much more involved, but good luck. I think you have made the right decision.

[Momzilla]

I had fusion surgery two years ago.  If I had not, I was going to start to become paralyzed due to spinal cord impingement.  I had no choice.  The doctor fused C3-7.  Four levels.  I maintain a lot of mobility.  It was the best thing I had ever done for my health.  He said my disks were nearly gone.  It was bone on bone.  I was in a lot of pain before the surgery and I was back to work after five and a half weeks.  

The first couple of days were rough, I remember, but worth it.  I was 41 at the time, if that makes a difference.  My doctor asked me what my physical goals were.  I told him that instead of lying down to rest my neck each night after work, I wanted to play more basketball with my boys.  I did, and have lost 60 pounds in the last two years, just by being more active, I think.  (Results not typical!  : ) )

Anyway,  Good luck in your decision!

Momzilla*

[JMRIZZ]

Thank you for your replies.  It is very encouraging to hear of the success stories.  I am a mom of three (aged 10,12,& 14) and I too want to be able to do more with them instead of laying on the couch in pain.  I truly appreciate your replies and well wishes.  It makes my decision easier to take, although I am still leary of the operation. Thanks. Jo Ann