Neck and Shoulder pain after C5-6 fusion.

[Roonie5038]

A little over a year ago, I had C5-6 fused. With a plate and screws inserted. Since then I am having trouble with pain in the neck and shoulder area just below the fusion area. I wake in the morning with a headache then turns to pain in lower neck and shoulders.
I have talked to the neurosurgeon who did the surgery and he shrugged his shoulders and said I have no idea and sent me back to my neurologist. He gave me a series of injections in both shoulders and the pain stopped for a couple days but then came right back. Then we tried massage therapy, it helps but only for a short period.Then I have to go back to the massage therapist again and again, my insurance will not pay for that. And I have tried changing my pillows on my bed and sleeping in different positions and nothing seems to help for long term.
What can I do?
Thanks
Maureen

[janedough]

roonie. i am having simular problems after a C5 to C7 fusion with a peek implant and plate. only mine swells up at and below the surgery with alot of pain. i am getting the same run around you are. its been 10 mo. since my surgery. I have had an mri and it says i am fused and ok. i am trying to check into adverse reactions to the plate and PEEK implant . i would like to stay in touch with you to see how u come out and would certainly tell you what if anything they ever find with me? thanks

[Roonie5038]

Yes, please keep in touch. I would love to know what is going on and I will do the same. I am going back to neuro in 2 weeks and see what else he has to say......I am not sure can we post our email addresses here?

[janedough]

i go this week .  ill risk posting my email.. its ***@****

[jcverive]

It really bothers me to see so many cases of severe post-fusion pain. Doctors must not be explaining all the possible complications with the surgeries.

All fusion surgeries carry a risk of permanent post-op pain, and it appears that the likelihood of such pain increases as you move up the spine. Perhaps this is due to the very high density of fine nerve fibers in the head and neck region.  Part of the problem lies in the fact that to obtain access to the regions to be fused, large quantities of otherwise unrelated nerve fibers are subject to trauma as they are pulled and pinned back to clear the working field for the surgeon. Too often, the trauma to these nerve fibers is not considered significant until post-op pain doesn't subside, and by then it is too late.

Although the pain may be severe, the nerve damage is rarely, if ever, bad enough to be seen by MRI or CT scans.  Neuralgia is usually diagnosed only by ruling out other conditions, and doctors hate to point out the probability that another doctor might have caused the problem. To me, this is a case of misguided "professional courtesy", and it only serves to cause the patient unnecessary suffering.

See a pain doctor or neurologist and ask if neuralgia might be your problem. If the answer is "no", don't leave the doctor's office unless they can give a very good explanation for why neuralgia would not be worth considering (and then prepare to watch the doctor try to fish for an answer).

The reality is that any spine surgery carries the risk of ne ve damage, so any chronic post-op pain is potentially due to nerve trauma during surgery.

[janedough]

i did know that there could be nerve damage from the surgery. the thing with me is that all of the pain i had before surgery is gone and now i have pain and swelling where they did the surgery. the pain might be expected i guess, the swelling is another matter. I dont know of any one that has swelling in the back of the neck where the surgery was done . being i am completly fused i also wonder why its so tender to lightly press on that area?

[xselr8]

I am posting this because I was fortunate enough to have cervical surgery this year that has been a complete blessing.

I had injured my neck over three years ago and lived with severe pain everyday for three years. I was told by two different neurosurgeons that fusion was my only option. WRONG!

I had Laser surgery in May of this year and I can honestly say I now have NO PAIN and NO HARDWARE!! Plus I was back at my office less than one week after the surgery. The name of the facility is Laser Spine Institute : http://laserspineinstitute.com/home.aspx
They also work on fusions gone bad. (I have never heard of a good fusion personally) The so called "Gold Standard" they told me. Fusion should only be done for severe Spondylosis to stabilize the spine in my oppinion. It is now done WAY TOO OFTEN.

I had a bulging disc at C5-C6, stenosis at C3,C4,C5 and some degeneration. I was on major pain killers everyday for over two years. I am now pain and drug free!

I told myself that I would let as many people know as I can about this procedure. I will never hurt for you to check into it and feel free to email me and ask me anything. I only wish that I had known about Laser Spine Institute three years ago. It would have saved me from going through the pure hell that I did.

[Roonie5038]

WOW, I did not know about the nerve damage that could be done because of the fusion itself. My Dr said nothing of this to me before the surgery. And if he had. I would never had it in the first place.
I really cannot afford any more treatments. But what can Lasar Treatment do for this now? By the end of my day my neck and shoulders hurt so bad I really want to sit down and cry. And the past few nights I cannot sleep on my left side. The pain radiates down my spine.
I put in a call today to my neurologist for an appointment and I plan on asking him about the neuralgia. I just want to see what he has to say to that. I am also going to do some research and see what can be done for neuralgia. Any one know?
Thanks Alot.....Your information has been helpful. I will be checking back to read more....

[janedough]

I dont know what kind of pain your having  but it sounds like the pain is in the same area mine is. because of the swelling i have they are finally taking me serious, and i am goin in soon for a bone scan with contrast. i do get nerve pain down my spine but the worst pain is not nerve type pain. i hope you u keep telling us  what happens as time goes on.

[Roonie5038]

Hi, I called Dr today and cannot get in till the end of this Month. I have an appointment early in the day. So we shall see what he has to say. I have a list of thing as long as my arm. I also have to talk to him about my migraine meds. They are helping considerable. But my insurance co. has changed the levels of payment and now need to get them on the generic side. Hopefully they will work as well. I take Topamax to prevent the migranes. And it really helps.
  Jane, when do you go back to the Dr? I am interested to hear what is going on. When do you have that test?

Maureen

[janedough]

i go on the 27th for a spec bone scan. ill let u know when i know more .  i had an injection in my neck for the pain and swelling . they hit a vein and i almost didnt make it so i dont know if they will help or not but ill be picking out a diff doctor. ill let you know and feel free to email me to keep in touch about how we both come out. thanks

[hollyluizo]

I was diagnosted with a torn disc in my neck and was told I would need a discogram and fusion surgery...can you give me some more info on this laser surgery..

[Gerdi]

I believe I belong on your page. I too swell up in the surgery area and get in nasty burnig pain every day. I have nerves shoot through my body when I open my mouth fast, turn my body, step hard or sneeze.
I had 2 level fussion 5/5/06. They removed bone spurs all around C3-C4-C5, freed up nerves that where compromised and straighened a verdabrea that compressed my spine. Removed the disc, fused and secured with titanium plate. All symptoms from before are gone, all of them. But since I returned to work I started hurting. I also swell up and have a nasty burn on my shoulder blades. This seems to get worse every day. I spend most of my evening pressed against the back of the couch not moving.
Moving around seems to help, losen up the muscles. Pain killers are not effective. Muscle relaxers help a bit.
The doc says the upper level has not fused all the way. The verdabrea may be moving.
Does anyone know what causes this and what to do about it ?? I will now try calcium in high dose to aid bone graft growth.

Thanks ahead for you input

[Goodkarma5]

Wow..I can't believe this. I had a Anterior Cervical Corpectomy one year ago. They replaced levels C3-C7. I have myelopathy and had a spinal cord compression. While I knew straight up not to expect my symptoms to go away due to that fact I already showed signs of some damage....I did not expect to "inherite" the pain I have in my shoulders and upper back. The burning and pain has made it impossible to return to my desk job. I can only sit at a computer for an hour at a time at most, and then I pay for it. After two months I tried to tell my surgeon how badly i felt and he told me I would never be normal and to get used to it. Mind you, I am a really positive person and went into this only expecting that I would hopefully be safe from paralysis. Thank God I read this post. I am going back to my Neurologist who did another MRI after the surgeon blew me off. He said I had a bunch of c-spine problems and that I had myelopathy.That was last spring. I am only (?) 41 and have been suffering. I need to get answers as to why I can't do the things I used to. I also recently found out I have a rare Auto Immune Type 1 diabetes, so I am sure it didn't help with the healing process at the time. Thank you all for sharing. I will make another appt. tommorrow. Bless you all!!

[mary poppins]

I had an anterior cervical disectomy and fusion and have a metal plate in the c5-7 disk 18 months ago.  I have had a lumpy feeling in my neck ever since.  All the test show nothing is there.  I went back to my surgeon and he says the plate is still in place.  He did not know what the feeling is and wanted me to go back to my primary doctor.  Nobody can tell me what is wrong.  I cannot sit for more than 30 minutes until me neck and shoulders hurt.  I also had lumbar surgery the same time, and still suffer constant pain and it is getting worse. I can only grocery shop about 30 minutes at the most. I now have no job or insurance.  The surgeon has told me I will have reoccuring pain that can last for days, months, or longer.  Any suggestions what could be wrong?

[bev62]

I also had a 2 level cervical fusion just 9weeks ago.  Before the surgery I had pain in my neck and down my right arm and into my hand.  Now both hands are numb esspecially the last two fingers on both hands. My arms and between my shoulder blades burn like fire. I hardly have any control of my hands.  I cant pick up small items or even turn the pages in a book.  My doctor did a post-op MRI and he said everything looks great.  He put me on Nuerotin about 3 weeks ago, but all it does is make me very dizzy.  I've had PH and it hasn't helped.  So I continue to take Percicet 7.5 and muscle relaxers every 4 to 6 hours.  I have 2 small children, ages 3 and 6, it's hard to even take care of my kids.  Has anyone else had this happen and what do I need to do to get some relief?  I never thought I would end up worse after the surgery.

[moms2]

I had surgery in 07/2003 after a accident at work. I had my surgery done at Hackensack memorial in hackensack, nj., one of the best hospital and doctors i have ever had. I had a long time before i could get into therapy, afyer 4 long months in a hard collar. I never lost the pain in the neck and shooting pain in right side neck and radiating down my arm into hand and fingers tingling. fusion at c5-c6-c7. after a long time in rehab and therapy , i was sent to pain=management, i had several set of 3 injectons that only gave me breif releif. then i had a nerve block at c7 that didn't help but showed the dr. where some of the problem might be. back into pain-mamagement, then my company travel centers of america, cut off all of my insurance and money, said i was as good as it gets. I was still inserve pain and on pain killers every 6-8 hours. I had my medical doctor take on my case even though he wasn't getting paid. Thank God for him he is still treating me 3 years latter. he provided me with pain med and a new therapist that really got movement into my neck. Then we moved to maryland and i still travel 150 miles one way to see my doctors. In 09/2005 he sent me to have another ct scan after sever loss of hand control and still sharp pain in right side of neck and shoulder pins and neddes in the hand and fingers. the results was a pinched nerve at c7-t1. back to surgery in 11-2005 after lossing our son in a motorcycle accident in 10/2005. the surgery was great the pain at the neck area was released during the surgery. but still had major pain in hand and shoulder and back.The surgery was over a year ago and have delevoped pain in both side of neck and numbness in hands and horrible headache from the back of my neck up. i have been on major pain killers and viocdin and durgessic patches and lycria for the pin and needles in hand and neck. the insurance has stopped me from getting pain management to get me off of pain killers. And now i have just had another ct scam and mri. The ct scan shows anther pinched nerve at c7-t1. and the mri should be back this week. Does this ever end and how often does the nerve get pinched again, and my hands are really bad with pain and numbness, my head hurts so bad that no pain meds will help.

[bev62]

Did you consult an attorney with your work injury?  My surgery was also the result of a work injury.  I have retained an attorney and he told me that the company that I work for would be responsible for all medical bills pertaining to my neck or any area that was effected from my injury for the rest of my life.  I know how bad the pain can be, I just hope it will eventually get better.  I'm so sorry for your lose and I wish you luck.

[Gerdi]

Glad that so many posted a reply or comment. Thanks.
My good news is the new and higher soft collar I got. I sleep in it every night and it DOES make a difference. The burnig in my shoulder is less, the swelling too. Seems like it gives the neck a good break of movement at night. I advice everyone to give it a try.
I have not had any good news from my surgon so far. He wants to do surgery and install a plate from the back onto my none-fused verdabrea. That will be my last resort.
So I took matters in my own hand and give myself 2 month to make the fussion grow together.
Yesterday I had a bone density test, blood calcium level test and will have those results next week. If anything is out of the norm, I go on calcium shoots or osteoporosis pills.
I also got back on my bone stimulator for 4 hours every day. I never did like the way it feels, but who knows if it will really make a differece. Last year I wore it every day for 4 1/2 month after surgery.
I will keep you posted on my status beginning of March.
And....best luck to all of you. Maybe you'll find a way to lower or kill your pain for good.

[ChuckP]

C-5 C-6 fusion with plate, and sooo many issues. From pain in the neck and shoulder, to numbness in the arms and right side. I also have headaches, and depression. No treatment and no help. OOO well. I have been to 2 neurosurgeons and in and out of the emergency room over and over. Pain is bad, and everyone looks at me as if I am crazy....
  Chuck

[ChuckP]

Ever have problems swallowing food?

[Joface]

Wow, I just can't believe all the horror stories I am reading about here....I had a posterior cervical laminoplasty at levels C-3 through C-7 in May of 2006, due to severe cord compression and myelopathy. I went to 4 neurosurgeons for evaluation (including the Mayo Clinic) before deciding to go with the surgeon I did....and am I ever glad now, considering what many of you have gone through with anterior surgeries and fusions.  The neuro I chose told me that her procedure was the "safest" one for my circumstances - they make an opening on one side of the lamina and tack it back, like an open door...which preserves stability while allowing the spinal cord more room.  She indicated that what people don't understand about fusions is that it puts additional pressure on the levels above and below, which can cause at the very least, additional pain.  There are, of course, times when fusion is called for, but not in my case.....at least not as a first resort.  Thank heavens I listened to her and decided on the laminoplasty!  Don't get me wrong....life isn't a bowl of cherries, but I don't have severe, unending pain and much of my numbness and tingling has gotten better.  I also just had lumbar surgery and that has posed a greater problem, in that I have arachnoiditis (clumping of the nerves near the cauda equina, where they exit from the spine.)  I don't know how I got it, but presume it was from an epidural injection that somehow went into the wrong area - it's fairly rare, but once you have it, there's nothing anyone can do, since they can't "un-clump" the nerves.  So...I have that going for me in the lower back, but I am most grateful that my cervical spine is improved with the laminoplasty and that I didn't proceed with the fusion.  My thoughts are with you and I hope you experience improvement in your symptoms.  By the way....Chuck, was your surgery done through the front?  I was told by one of the surgeons I consulted that swallowing difficulty was a potential side effect, since they're working so close to the vocal chords, etc....hopefully, that will improve for you over time......Jo

[KMN1]

YES I DO FROM TIME TO TIME AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THERE IS NO REASON FOR THIS TO HAPPEN. ALSO MY VOICE CHANGES BECOMES HOARSE AND IT HURTS TO TALK FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME.
HAS ANYONE HAD PAIN WHEN BENDING OVER OR LYING FLAT? THE FRONT OF MY NECK NEAR THE INCISION AREA HURTS AND FEELS LIKE SOMETHING PRESSING ON THE INSIDE OF MY NECK. VERY PAINFUL.
I ALSO HAVE TERRIBLE HEADACHES,  AND PAIN IN BACK OF NECK THAT SEEMS TO CRAWL UP HEAD. I HAVE PAIN, NUMBNESS IN FACE AREAS WHEN I MOVE MY HEAD IN CERTAIN DIRECTIONS. I HAVE TROUBLE SLEEPING AND AM AFRAID TO DRIVE BECAUSE  OF LIMITED NECK MOVEMENT PAIN WHEN SITTING FOR LONG PERIODS WITHOUT SUPPORT FOR NECK.  SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME WHAT IS WRONG
K M N

[Wendy587]

Wow I am looking for help and see trouble.. I had c5/6 done four months ago with plate.  As soon as I awoke I had awful shoulder pain after recheck my neck doctor sent me to shoulder doctor. I was told my shoulder was torn and they did surgery.  Now I have awful shoulder pain in both arms and can't sleep due to pain.  post op shoulder post op neck.  I DONT THINK I had a torn shoulder this pain is so bad I would have known before neck surgery...... wow what are they doing.....the doctor who did neck surgery should never sent me to a doctor to do surgery on my shoulder because this has to be from the neck surgery....... how could I have suddenly torn both shoulders???? This is crazy and the pain is so bad I can't stay like this I am getting worse by the day!  I NEED HELP!

[mainenurse]

Wow,  i see the neuro surgeon tomorrow and I am more scared than ever.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Wendy587]

You better be very careful. I am stuck in hell excuse my wording but it is true!

[TRICIA117755]

I TO HAD A NECK FUSION DONE. HOWEVER MINE HAS HELPED.
I ALSO HAD MY THYROID TAKEN OUT 2 MONTHS AFTER I HAD
MY NECK FUSED. I HAVE PROBLEMS SWALLOWING AFTER BOTH
SURGERIES. I HAVE NECK PAIN FROM TIME TO TIME. MY LOCAL
CHIROPRACTOR IS TRAINED TO ADJUST FUSED NECKS THAT IS
A TRMENDOUS HELP. WHEN THE PAIN GETS REAL BAD FROM TIME TO TIME ICE ON THE BACK OF MY NECK AND A HEATING PAD ACCROSS MY SHOULDERS IS THE ONLY THING THAT HELPS
WITH THE PAIN THAT AND A MILD MUSCLE RELAXER. THE ICE AND HEAT HAVE TO BE APPLIED AT THE SAME TIME.

PATTIE117755

[excelcon]

I had a C-5 C-6 fusion with plates and some type of coil on June 25, 2007, this was from falling into a ditch on a Jobsite, after the initial first weeks, I really felt great, I was in a Miami J collar (full) until September 25, when they removed the body part and the bar that hold your head up, that's when the problems with pain started again, even with the collar still on, October 25 they removed the collar and I couldn't even hold my head up, I went for 2 months of therapy with no improvement and was released MMI (maxium medical improvement) on December 23, 2008. I started back to work light duty January 2, 2008 and lasted until February 4, I just could not take the pain anymore, I was sent for 2 more months of therapy (no help) I returned to work again April 25, but this time with no restrictions and although I extremely happy to be back to work, the pain sometimes has me in tears. When I go to my neurosurgeon he treats me like ****, says I am his worst patient (god syndrome) and it all in my head, although a MRI shows a bone spur right at the fusion which is causing the pain, he says he has to do a another milogram and then says but he wouldn't operate again anyway, because if it is a bone spur it will go away eventually.
I have my next appointment in early October, and I am going to have the milogam done, I can no longer sleep and the pain is terrible.
I have gone to other surgeons but no other surgeon really wants to get involved.
I have not taken any pain pills during this whole thing, but was just prescribed ultram about 2 weeks ago, they don't help much, either does ice/heat.
I get terrible headaches from the neck/shoulder pain and forget about it when the weather changes from warm to cool or if its going to rain I can tell a day before.

[msbraindrain]

I had multilevel (C3,4,5,6) fusion 4 years ago.  Started choking on medicine the day I came home and have had difficulites with foods (mostly dry stuff) and medicines (off and on) since.  My voice has also become hoarse (everybody thinks I'm a guy or that I just woke up when they call) but my doctor told me that would happen.  My neck gets very tight during the day and I have severe burning and cramping of the muscles in my neck and shoulders when I do things like sewing, painting, etc.  If I tip my head too far down forward it feels like something is poking me in the throat and I cough.  Unfortunately, I have also had multilevel lumbar fusion as well (I'm not sure who to thank for my crappy bones) and because of all my spine problems I am reluctant to complain about my neck at this point as the medical community tends to look at you like a psycho if you complain about too many things.  So I've found the best way to maintain my sanity was to get my family doctor 'on my side' so that I have someone to cry to when it gets too bad.  My family doctor has made sure that I have pain medications when I need them because basically that's the only way I can remain functional.  Were it not for the relief afforded me by the pain medications I would be left to wonder why I am here and what was it that I did in my former life that I'm needing to pay for now??!!  
I don't think anyone that hasn't been through it can sympathize with you - they all say they know how you feel (??) since they too have some ache and pain but there isn't anything that can be quite compared to the spinal fusion surgery and all that it encompasses.
I've enjoyed reading some of the posts-I truly was beginning to think I was crazy with all the problems I've had and the 'you're crazy lady' look you get at the specialist's office.  Although I will say, social security didn't think the situation was too 'crazy' as they put me on disability with no effort on my part at all.
Now they think I have multiple sclerosis - go figure.    

[pooh31]

Hi it may be worth your while typing anterior cervical decompression on google and look for the name laing. Within this consent form it denotes some possible complications with percentages. Hope this helps.

[roxy54321]

wow . . .i guess i am not the only one with these cervical spine issues.  i had c1 c2 rods, screws and wire put in three weeks ago.  little pain but i still have this creaking sound.  does anyone else ever get this creaking sound from the neck are? i feel like running to get an xray done to check bone alignment everytime i hear it.  any feedback????

[roxy54321]

well .  .the creaking is normal.  i ran for an xray.  all is good. i had this c1 c2 fusion twicw now and i do not want to do it again. lol.  i have about 8 more weeks of the brace even though i had screws, rods and wires put in to hold that bone graft in.  so . .  .doc says all is ok!!

[ang777]

I was T-Boned by a lady, four years ago. For the first two years my family physician kept telling me it was all muscular, go exersize. So, I did. 2006 I had a disco-gram which showed I had 3 discs that needed to be replaced. Last April the surgeon did an FDA NEO-disc replacement on C5-6. I have had more pain since the surgery. Went and had another disco-gram. I now have 4 disc that need to be replaced. He keeps saying "There aren't any good surgical options." My spine is smushing down a little more everyday. I am 100% afraid to have 4 levels fused. I am interested in the Laser thing. I have also had EVERY symptom all of you have described. We are all in the same boat, unfortunately. I am wanting to sue my family doctor for telling me it was all muscular when it obviously wasn't. He immediately referred me to the right kind of doctor when I told him I needed a letter that stated I was at my MMI.
Does anyone have any info for me. I only got $5000.00 in the accident settlement because my attorney didn't defend me like he was supposed to. I want to sue him too!!! What he did to me is unheard of. I spend most of every day in bed, trying to stay out of pain. My name is Angel.

[madge60]

As a result of a minor fall, my C6/7 disc shattered and was crushing a nerve in my spine - After 8 weeks of agony, no sleep, no eating and being unable to walk, I had the disc replaced with a polimer cage. This was 15 months ago - I have had a year of physio therapy and am still unable to work as I can't sit at a desk for long enough to be able to concentrate. My fingers still tingle and my upper back and neck ache constantly, resulting in a thumping headache. My hips are agony and I get shooting pains down my left leg BUT according to the scans, all is well!!!!! Surgeons really should prepare you for the neurological pain that follows afterwards. I was under the impression that after a few weeks, all would be well. No such luck.

[KAT66]

I had fusion of c5c6 five weeks ago.  All was going well til two days ago when I started having sharp pain in neck on right side and achins shoulder muscles.  These are the same symptoms I had before surgery.  I am not sure why I felt great and all of a sudden I am having pain again.

[tia67]

I am 42 and have had 3 cervical fusions (c4/c5 '99-c5/c6 '02 & most recently, April '08, c6/c7 w/titanium plate). Since my last surgery a little over a year ago, my life has basically stopped.  I have not been without pain, unbearable at times, for more than 4 days in row.  The Dr. that had done all 3 of my surgeries, whom I believed in 100%, without any reservation - once the pain returned during the 4th week of PT - referred me to a pain management clinic and basically turned his back on me when i called him for help.  After being at the pain clinic for a week i was hospitalized for 4 days from a severe drug reaction.  I never returned.  Since that time my medical Dr. has been trying to help me "manage" my pain - but there is no such thing - the pain meds just make it easier to breathe.   I hurt so bad every single day!!! The "OH MY GOD - PLEASE MAKE IT STOP!!!!" burning in my shoulder blades and neck gets to the point most days that I want to throw up - it makes me feel useless, hopeless, and a complete burden to the people who love me the most.  My faith in God is what keeps me from just giving up - cause I know if you've walked in my shoes even for a little while you know that has crossed your mind. But I have a life and I want it back!!!!! I have an appointment with a new neurosurgeon June 4th and I have to believe that this will be the answer - the solution.  I have had a nerve conduction test, which showed damage to the 6th & 8th cervical nerves and my most recent MRI showed a ruptured disc t5/t6.  I guess the main reason I wanted to post this comment is to thank each and every person who has shared their story on here - pain that never lets up, never stops, and that other people can't see -  also tends to make you feel very "alone". Good luck and God bless each of you......

[nitroxdyvr]

Hi to everyone. I had two discs fused March of 08. I've been fine up until April of 09. I jammed my head coming out of a submarine hatch. Now I'm back in the same pain prior to my surgery. I though with this steel plate in my neck that nothing should move. I have an appt. with my Neuro Dr. in Sept but in great pain. Same as everyone burning, can't lay flat or sit for any length of time. I hope that the disc above or below did not get damaged but I have a feeling I did some serious damage. Warning to all, take caution not to do anything to jam the discs after surgery. Even after a year has passed. The Dr. did the surgery told me that the fussion took, so I've been fine up until the hatch jumped out hand hit me in the head. If further surgery is req'd I am going to refuse and do my best to live with the pain. I hope this Dr. will give me a script for some good meds. I'll keep you posted.

[bionicgranny]

I am 5 days post op of a fusion for C4 to C6 and am doing great. I have noticed a significant decrease inthe numbness in my arms and hands and am left currently with post op incisinal pain and some pain in the left shoulder and upper arm area. I went to see an orthopedic MD for my surgery and he also did a L3 to S1 fusion last October with great results - the best advice is find out from other patietns the surgeons successrates - I have my life back - to be sure there are days when I have pain but you just push past those and I am offf almost all my pain meds that have kept me down for the last thirteen years - Good Luck and just keep pushing onward -

[samara13]

Hi. I'm another individual with symptoms 'dead on' with the majority of you. I've been going to a pain clinic for the past 2-1/2 years and receive steroid injections every 4 months. They last for a brief duration but do seem to take the 'edge' off for about 1-2 months, which allows more mobility and range of motion. I also have an awesome neurologist who is renowned for treating headaches and he keeps me on my feet and working. Very, very positive and awesome doctor. We've been together for 20 years now.  Anyway, on Wednesday I'm having a different treatment called a Radiofrequency by a specialist who was trained by the inventor of the procedure over 20 years ago.  The possibility of becoming pain free or nearly so for up to a year (sometimes longer) is the goal as well as the norm following the procedure. I am hopeful and have a lot of faith in this man.  So stay positive out there folks and I'll keep in touch to let you know if the procedure is successful!  Just an aside: the neurosurgeon I had was amazing and works at Mayo Clinic. I  learned after the recovery period that the pain we are all experiencing is a common side effect to the stenosis which is usually why folks have to have the surgery to begin with. Such a trade off, isn't it? Nonetheless, my surgeon will always be on my good side because I believe he fulfilled a very important and necessary procedure that would have otherwise created a slew of other problems I would prefer not to have.

[Dr Rajgopal]

Hi,
When surgery is done near the spine and spinal cord, complications may occur and can be very serious. Complications may involve subsequent pain and impairment and may sometimes need additional surgery. The complications may be due to spinal anesthesia. Whenever the spine is operated upon, there is some risk of injuring the spinal cord. This can lead to serious injuries to the nerves or the covering of the spinal cord - the dura. Occasionally metal screws, plates, and rods that are used as part of the procedure to hold the vertebrae in alignment while the surgery heals can either break - or move from the correct position. This may lead to pain and other complications. Some spinal operations are simply unsuccessful. One of the most common complications of spinal surgery is that it does not get rid of all of your pain. In some cases, it may be possible to actually increase your pain. Please go for an MRI of the spine and consult another neurosurgeon and neurologist if your present doctors are unable to give you a satisfactory answer. Hope this helps you. Take care and regards!  

[englishgirl]

Hiya

I had a acdf c5/c6 fusion last July and a further 2 stage L5/S1 fusion with retrolithesis correction in October. It has taken more than 18 months for my neck symptoms to settle down. They actually got worse after the operation and at 12 weeks post op, when I thought I should be rehabbed I ended up having steroid facet joint injections to help ease the pain as it was so severe. My wonderful doctor put me on pregabalin which has helped with the nerve pain symptoms which I now no longer have from my neck, but unfortunately do still have nerve pain from the L5/S1 operation (although the pregabalin has eased it considerably). He feels that some people's nerves do just react in this way and that hopefully over time it will settle - and given how my neck has prgressed I hope this will be the case. Also - those ladies amongst who have had lumbar spine surgery might want to look at pelvic floor strengthening/correction as this too can be a further cause of continuing pain - which can be solved in caring hands.

[bdm92]

Well I feel for everyone who posted here, but at least I know I am not crazy.  I have had neck and shoulder pain now for about 17 months now after my C5-6 fusion with plate screw and cadavar bone.
THe surgery took care of my arm and finger pain, but left me with the feeling that now my head is too heavy for my neck to support it.  The only relief I have is when I lay down and when I prop my head up with my hand.
It feels like constant deep muscle pain, with some burning.  
THis stinks, it has changed almost everything I do, which these days is not much.  I am only 35 with two children and I always feel like ****, since my surgery I was diagnosed with secondary fibromyalgia, and was told once my neck improves the rest of my muscle pains should also get better.
Well I am still waiting for my neck to get better, but I feel the more time that goes by the less the chance of that happening.
bdm 92