cervical laminectomy kyphosis

I had a 4 level cervical laminectomy (c3-C6) 2 years ago at 39 yrs old to treat myelpathy caused by a flattening of the cord between C4-C6. I was a very fit individual who has been trying to return to an active lifestyle that I enjoyed before the injury/surgery. It has been a long rehab plagued with intermittent neck pain and muscle weakness which clearly worsen with certain activities especially involving prolonged static and flex forward positions & bending. (which happens to consist of a lot of activties)

3 months post surgery, x-ray films showed mild to moderate kyphosis depending on who interpreted it. A recent xray report stated "disc space narrowing confirming C4-C5 and C5-C6 degeneratve disease...in the neutral position, there is a kyphotic reversal of the normal mid cervical lordosis apical at C4-C5. flexion and extension views reveal a grossly restricted range of motion below C4-C5..above C4-C5, there is restricted range of extension" Could this xray indicate that my cervical spine is unstable? Is kyphosis dangerous..an it cause further deterioration? What can I do to keep it from worsening? what activities should I avoid? My neuro surgeon indicated at the time of surgery that I may also have to have a C4-C5, C5-C6  discetomy & fusion at some point in time.Another surgeon recently recommended extensive anterior & posterior surgery to stabilize the neck which the first one refuted as unnecessary.These opinions are contradictory & confusing. Please help shed some light onto this issue.

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Linda:

Without viewing the films myself, it is impossible to give you an accurate answer.  What was the initial etiology of the flattening of the cervical cord?  I guess it only really matters if what the etiology of hte flattening has not been addressed.  Anyway, degenerative disease can and does produce loss of the natural curve of the cervical spine.  The degenerative process needs to be followed as what was occuring 3 months post-op seems to be progressive.  This indicates that your cervical spine is not getting better and is worse.  No, kyphosis in not dangerous in the sense of impending doom, but it is not normal.  I would try and get a third opinion from a neurosurgeon.  Have him/her view the films, do an exam and see if there is another way to go.  Mechanical pain is really the only true diagnosis for surgery.  However, many believe stability or non-progressive status of the spine might be another indication if it is severe.  Get another opinion.  Also, get an opinion from the rehab doctors about what activities you should avoid.  Let them see the films also and see what they think in their experience.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD

[Anne- C1 laminectomy 6mos ago,Now Severe]

Hi Linda and CCF,   I too had C1 laminectomy plus occipital Craniectomy months ago, now my neck pain is so much worse then prior to surgery.  I now eat pain pills like they are candy!!
Really, makes me wonder how much spinal surgery works for everyone!  I know each individual is different and their reasons for doing surgery has it reason/ risks.  

Myself I don't know if I could take any more surgery.  Can imagine being in more pain then I am in now!

I hope you do find help here.
Take Care!  
Sincerely, Anne

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Anne:

Sorry to hear about your pain.  Thanks for the comment.

CCF Neuro MD

[grandpa9829]

A related discussion, dicompressive laminectomy at c3 thru c6 was started.