Re: CERVICAL SPINE

Posted By CCF NSG MD /gsh on July 30, 1998 at 13:58:45:

In Reply to: CERVICAL SPINE posted by MARIO FORMATO on July 27, 1998 at 23:01:15:






I HAD A DOUBLE DISC NECK OPERATION WITH A FUSION USING
BONE FROM MY HIP. I FELL AT WORK ON A TRUCK ABOUT SEVEN
MONTHS AGO AND NOW MY NECK IS HURTING VERY MUCH. COULD I
HAVE CRACKED THE FUSION IN MY NECK OR HERNIATED ANOTHER
DISC. I HAVE NUMBNESS IN MYFIRSTTHREE FINGERS ON THE SIDE
MY NECK HURTS.IS IT POSSIBLE FOR THE PAIN NOT TO START
HURTING ME UNTIL A COUPLE MONTHS AFTER THE FALL.
____
____
Dear Mario,
You need to be seen by a neurologist or preferably the surgeon that did the
disc surgery in the past.  He will likely order plain x-rays of the cervical
spine (to evaluate the fusion), and possibly an MRI.  This depends on what
he finds on examining you.  There are a few things to think about here, including
a failure of the fusion and new disc herniation or other instability.  See your
physician at the next available opportunity.  
Good luck.