post cervical fusion question

[terri1234]

I had a 3 level cervical fusion about 3 weeks ago.  My arm pain is gone and thats great.  One of my problems pre surgery was this awful pulling and tugging at my neck, pulling my jaw and mouth down and actually making it difficult to speak.  Doc said surgery may help that, maybe not.  So now its 20 times worse.  Has anyone evey experienced this as no doctor has been able to help.  I tried to tell them it was farther down in my back thoracic area, but no help.  anyone ever experienced this after surgery and maybe it will still go away?  It was C4-5, C5-6 and C6-7.  Help!!

[terri1234]

It has been 3 weeks since my operation and yes they did use screws and plates.  I guess thats always a possibility that it will make other discs go bad, but I had heard such good reports from people I guess I didn't listen.  My main problem is a mystery to doctors tho.  If I didn't have the tugging and pulling at my face and neck I would be feeling pretty good.  I hope I don't regret this operation.

[Achey916]

Terri: How long ago you did the 3 level fusion? I am assuming that they put some hardware too, right?  I am asking this because I need a fusion at C5:C6 level due to disc disease and stenosis, but worried that fusion would add extra pressure on adjacent discs which might herniate as well in fairly a short time.  Thanks

[JMRIZZ]

Sorry to hear you are still having this pain.  I also had a three level cervical fusion but mine was at C5-6, C6-7, and C7-T1.  My numbness went away the pain lessoned for quite some time, but now I am afraid I am looking at problems at another level higher up.  I am still waiting for an MRI to confirm this, but the PT failed and they believe I definitely have a problem.  I am back on the pain meds and not good.  But I never had a problem with the pulling sensation as you describe.  I sometimes feel a tightness, but not a pulling feeling.  I hope you find some help. Jo Ann