Re: Post cervical discectomy recovery

Posted By CCF NSG MD /gsh on November 09, 1998 at 21:28:37:

In Reply to: Post cervical discectomy recovery posted by Mary on November 06, 1998 at 15:43:45:






I had a C4-C5 anterior cervical discectomy mid June of 1998.  Pre-surgical symptoms included tachycardia, arm weakness, decreased sensation, shoulder muscle "knots" and a burning muscle sensation across the top of my chest.  All cardiac tests were negative.  EMG and MRI revealed congenital cervical stenosis and a centrally herniated disc at C4-C5 placing direct pressure on the spinal cord.  Due to my risk for permanent injury, surgery for a discectomy and fusion was scheduled 2 days after diagnosis.  Post-op x-rays at 4 wks were normal and I was allowed to return to my prior activites without restriction. My sensations in my hands have returned to normal for the majority of the time but I find myself waking at night with varying degrees of tingling or numbness.  This goes away after waking and moving around.  During the day I notice a distinct coming and going effect of decreased sensation.  This does not seen to be affected my position.  Also since wearing the neck brace my right side of my posterior neck is stiff from the base of the skull to the top of the shoulder.  Also I feel a snapping at the top of my neck when I turn side to side.  My concern is that somehow something isn't right with my recovery - should it take this long?, do these sensations come and go?, what can I expect as far as the muscle tension - will it go away?  Sometimes I get a little dizzy, too - my BP is normal, so is muscle tension causing this?  Help!  I need reassurrance.  I want to feel good again!      
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Dear Mary,
It is common to feel some residual numbness and occasionally the same pains for some time after cervical disc surgery.  The typical progression is that pain gets better first, often right after surgery.  Weakness improves over weeks to months and numbness can take several months and may not completely resolve.  Some degree of stiffness in the neck is also common with cervical collar use.
Rest assured that things seem to be going well.  Your surgeon, no doubt, has you scheduled for a follow-up appointment where you can get more questions answered if necessary.
Good luck.