post op cervical spine C7 scar tissue

[lizzy7769]

In Dec 2006 i had surgery at C7 where the neurosurgeon shaved a lumpy growth of bone away to decompress a nerve root causing pain,tingling down my right arm.He used a posterior approach but i now have bad pain in my neck on the LEFT side where a hard 'lump' under the skin has formed. I have been told this is 'scar tissue' and am having physio therapy at last on it.  I am still not convinced this will help and feel very depressed because i cannot lead a normal life because of the pain.


This discussion is related to Problem Cervical Spine.

[lizzy7769]

Thank for your reply.
The bony growth that was removed was not diseased in any way so the lump seems to have come post-op.  It seems fixed to me but a physiotherapist thinks its 'scar tissue' and the operating surgeon? i'm not convinced so i am waiting for another MRI scan. Hopefully it will confirm what the lumpy area actually is.
I have been told by the Drs that they wouldnt touch me with surgery again so thats a bit worrying if it needs removing. Perhaps if they see whats wrong on the MRI, they will change their mind.  In the meantime i am on strong painkillers and having physiotherapy on my neck which hurts even more!!
Regards.

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hello.

Did you find out the nature of the bony growth that was removed? Was it a bone tumor? If yes, there are chances of recurrence.

If this new hard lump can be moved with the skin, it may be a scar tissue. If it is fixed, it can be a recurrent bony growth. In any case, you will have to get it removed as it is causing trouble.

Regards