Neck Fusion puzzle

I have gone through about 4 months of tests, symptoms started as extreme fatigue, and aching joints all over my body,  I have a clean bill of health as to blood work, blood pressure ect.  As to the aching joints and fatigue I was refered to a Specialist who spealizes in Musculoskeletal Disorders.She thought I may have Rheumetoid Arthritis but my R factor was low .  then I was told it may be infammatory Arthritis I take antiinflammatories and pain medication. I recently had a neck CT scan as most of my pain radiates from there. I was told today that my C2 and C3 have fused together.  I have never had surgery but about 18 months ago I suffered a neck injury at work, when I went to the hospital I was given anti inflammatories and a muscle relaxants as I was told i pulled a muscle, and told to take 3 days off.  I did not have any x-rays, or follow up from WCB, I went back to work, in freight delivery. I managed to work for abotu 1 year thinking that my pains and fatigue were due to the heavy labor  My question is could this injury at work have been mis-treated and allowed the c2 and c3 to fuse together on their own? Anything would be helpful.... thanks

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

It is high impact trauma that can cause fractures and chronic inflammation that may lead to ankylosis (fusion). Also though trauma could lead to ankylosis (fusion); with your symptoms it appears to be a less likely cause of C2-C3 fusion in your case and appears to be more likely to be a result of chronic inflammation that more commonly occurs in autoimmune arthritis. I would suggest getting this evaluated further by a rheumatologist.
Hope this was useful.

Take care!

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

It is high impact trauma that can cause fractures and chronic inflammation that may lead to ankylosis (fusion). Also though trauma could lead to ankylosis (fusion); with your symptoms it appears to be a less likely cause of C2-C3 fusion in your case and appears to be more likely to be a result of chronic inflammation that more commonly occurs in autoimmune arthritis. I would suggest getting this evaluated further by a rheumatologist.
Hope this was useful.

Take care!