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

[ScottKB]

I am so glad I found this forum as I am much worse now than before my most recent surgery.  My story... I had a disc herniation 6 years ago at C6/C7 and the resulting ACDF using my own bone was very successful. The pain and numbness I had in my left arm was almost immediately relieved. Awesome!

About 2.5 years ago I started having walking balance type issues. Just a lack of confidence in my gait. About 6 months later, I started getting extremely cold burning spots (softball size) in the same spot on my right arm/elbow forearm and right calf. The doctor sent me to a neurologist who did physical therapy and ultimately an MRI (brain and spine with dye) which revealed another herniation with pressure on the spine at C5/C6. In the mean time, a warm spot developed on my left calf and numb/warm spot on my left back shoulder. The diagnosis was cervical spondylitis with myelopathy.

I had surgery approx. 3 1/2months ago with an artificial disc at C5/C6 (successful according to surgeon and xrays) but my symptoms are sometimes even worse now. Furthermore, I now have some left leg and left arm/hand pain with some occasional twitching and clumsiness.

I expected the surgery to be the answer but I have so much anxiety now. I wondered if the cervical issue was not the real problem. Perhaps I had ALS or MS. I recently visited the neurologist and she did another MRI revealing that the new disc was not pressing on the spine, some basic neuro tests again, reflex (no real reflex in arms, slight hyper in right knee #3 on right knee and #2 on left knee, Babinski (normal), standing and walking tests, strength tests, and ultimately stated that I did not have MS or ALS as I worried about. She is fairly positive its related to my cervical issues and recent surgery. She states that I just went through a major surgery and I need to give my body and spine time to heal.

I sure hope she is right as I cant really do much at this time due to the pain and anxiety.  Ugh!

[yakmar8861]

I agree I would not wish this on my number one enemy.  If you can go with having the surgery I highly suggest I can not stand to cough because it hurt my shoulder so bad.  This is a no joke surgery.

[xyz2468]

Sounds like you had the exact surgery I did.  Mine was in April and now it is December.   I started having pain in November sometime described as what you have.   I have an appointment in December to see what is causing numbness 7 months after the surgery.  I was doing incredible but now I wake up and my hands are both like they've been asleep.   One pill and 45 minutes and then I'm good for the rest of the day.   "Fortunately" I have a followup appointment next month and can't wait to see if there were any changes.

[TWtired]

Hi, I had a cervical spine surgery because the also told me I had degenerating spine. They replaced two disc and put a plate and screws. I hurt worse today and its been 9 months since my surgery. My shoulders and neck never stop hurting and it is so hard for my to sleep or sit. I still have so many problems and I'm scared to have any other surgery. My lower back hurts like I don't know what, and they say I have bone spurs in my hip and lower back. Know they have told me I have lupus. I just want some relief.

[zeena47]

Hi I had c5/c6 removed September since then my neck pain is worse it radiates into my shoulders and makes my arms ache I'm at my Whits end .Spend half my time in tears as feel so low due to not sleeping.

[Successful02]

Hi Gary,
My name is Leslie, and I just had a cervical spine fusion, C-5.C-6 3 weeks ago. My neck is much better, and the only problem I have is not being able to sleep as I desire. Sometimes I feel as if my breath will be my last. I had such horrible pain in my left should generating on into my arms and my hand. A recent MRI showed that my rotator cuff has a large tare and my surgery is scheduled for Nov. 7th. I don't have much to say,except I do know the power of prayer, and I am going to pray for your wife and you. Trust God when it seems nothing else will work, and I promise he will change things!!