Headaches and pain following anterior cervical discectomy.

[Sugar Fairy]

I am 2 years post-op anterior cervical discectomy with fusion to relieve compression on spinal cord at c5/c6 level.  Had lots of pain and progressive leg weakness, right arm pain, and unable to write + loss of balance.  I have had 18 months of constant neck pain since the surgery, worse in the night and on wakening.  Every morning waking with severe headache and pain radiating from back of head to over eyes and sometimes down one side of face. This  feels like a combination of nerve pain and a peculiar sensation, as if the bones at the back of my neck are being stretched from the inside.
Finally, after 18 months, the stretching pain has eased but I still have the headaches 2-3 times a week.  On my 2 year check with the Neurosurgeon he said the pain could have been due to the titanium cage having been too big and that my pain should continue to improve, or it is just that my body has taken longer to adjust to surgery.
I also still have difficulty swallowing and have always felt that something is pressing against my throat, and I have a weak voice, my arm pain is worse than before the surgery.  My legs are now stronger and the neck pain I had prior to the surgery has gone.
Do you think these headaches will go and the swallowing improve.  If not do I have any other options.  I was realistic about the surgery and did not expect miracles after having had this problem for over 24 years (now 48), but I am finding the pain so debilitating.  I have a desk job which does aggravate the symptoms. Also, will there be any long-term effects of the cage being too big.

Thank you

[angels2halos]

Hello, i'm 27 yrs old and 3 weeks post-op for ACDw/fusion. Everything seems to be fine, I had lots of unrelieving neck pain for 9 months before I found out I had a ruptured disk causing spinal cord compression and swelling. 2 1/2 months before surgery it started affecting the muscles in my neck than to serious pressure headache for a month. That headache is GONE:) My problem right now is that I feel like there is something poking me in my throat sometimes. I'm also the only one who makes my house go-round and have a 7yr old daughter who is a great help with my 20 month old son. I don't have the support that I once thought, or wished that I had. Two weeks after surgery I had to have unexpected, emergency laparoscopic surgery. I don't think that i'm enough rest and relief from everyday life, could this be the reason for the throat problems (stress)? Other than that, I feel good.
Thanks,
Angels2halos

[Carle]

After living with horrible neck pain for years, about 2 1/2 years ago I had a partial discectomy/laminectomy of C6-C7.  The surgeon removed the bulging disc material and stitched up the rest of the disc, and cut-out the back of the verbrae to make more room for the spinal column (this is what a laminectomy is).  What I didn't know was that a laminectomy would lead to an unstable spine.  A few months ago at work I was inpecting plumbing and was in an awkward position and came up fast and hit my head hard.  Immediately I felt the burning pain from my forehead, to the top and back of my head, down my neck, shoulders, and arms.  I tried seeing a chiropractor for a few months - no lasting relief.  I went to a Ortho Surgeon who sent me for an MRI. After reading the MRI it was apparent - when I hit my head it caused C6 and C7 to collapse into each other and they are rubbing against each other, and the disc is completely blown - and compressing my spinal column. I also have four bone spurs at that area due to the bones rubbing against each other. I am now scheduled to have a Discectomy/Fusion of C6-C7 in a couple weeks.  What makes me angry is this: if my first surgeon had just done a FUSION with the Discectomy/Laminectomy - I wouldn't have had spinal instability and wouldn't be in the predicament that I'm in now.  Beware of a laminectomy - it leads to unstable spine and possible future spinal surgery.

[JDRA]

In October of 05 I visited my reg doctor due to migrains which I developed and lasted for weeks.  This was my 2nd time in experiences these over this type of duration.  I also explained that I had pain in my shoulder area, and numbness/tingling in my right thigh.  He refered me to get a CT Scan and to follow up with a Neurologist.  The Neuro refered me for a MRI on my L-spine and to see a EYE specialist.  My CT scan came back normal.  The eye specialist refered me for an MRI of my brain and orbits - normal.  I did not follow up with the eye doctor.  L-spine showed DDD at multi levels and was refered to a neurosurgeon and a EMT of my lower.  The surgeon refered me for anther MRI of my R shoulder and C-spine as well as a EMT of my upper.  I was also refered for PT but prior to starting it was canceled prior to starting upon the results of my MRI/EMT.
   I had a 'Anterior Cervival Fusion with plating on C5/C6/C7 in July of 06.  This surgery was performed for several reasons; Severe DDD in those areas, compression of the roots and Edema of the cord at C6/C7, spondylosis with myelopathy, cervical radiculopath, ect, ect....This is all due to bad genes, I did not have any injury that I can directly relate any of this to.  I had a 2nd opinion prior to surgery and was told the exact same thing - recomended surgery to relieve the pressure on my cord/roots and to hopefully stop the pain which it causes.  I had all the tests; CT Scan of my head; MRI of my brain, orbits, L-spine, C-spine, and right shoulder;EMT on my upper and lower extremities.
   I am 7 weeks post op right now and still in my Aspen collar for another week.  I was out of work for the first 4 1/2 weeks after surgery and have now been back for 2 1/2.  The time I was off work I had ZERO pain and symptoms which I indured daily pre op.  I am an automotive designer working at a desk on Unigraphics (software) on a 40 hour schedule - 8 hours a day.  My pain and symptoms are BACK and for the first time admitted that I wish I wouldnt have had this performed.  I was told at my 4 week post op surgeon appointment that I had damangened my nerve at both levels and that I would be symptom-matic untill the nerve heals completly, or 'scabs' as I understand it.
   My pain is a radient (warmth) pain in my right shoulder/scapula area and has moved into my upper arm and has progressed towards a painfull hand - I find it hard to grasp items or even make a fist.  I never had any pain on my left side till recently.  It is starting above my left upper shoulder, at a height even with my collarbone.
   I also have a bad lower back and was told that it is a matter of time before something would have to be done for that.  In addition to that I have a torn tendon in my right shoulder that he wants to keep an 'eye' on.
   It is hard for me to 'complain' about these symptoms to anyone, because I know that people are sceptical of injuries that one can not directly see, and my wife has MS so this is so minor when related to her.

thanks for all of your time, I feel for all of you............

[JDRA]

To follow up above, I am only 35 years old....

[GreenGardenLady]

I had C5 C6 and C6 C7 ACDF, donor bone, and titanium plate last Thursday, 8-17. So far, my recovery is better than I expected. All of the horrors of recovery that I prepared myself for so far have not come to pass.  I don't have swallowing problems and I was very afraid of that one.  My sister is an RN and she advised me to eat cold things such as popsicles, Icees(sp), if I have any difficulty because that would help swelling in the throat.  I am putting iodine on the incision for 10 days and keeping it covered per dr instructions, the only small problem I have is when it starts to absorb, I get stinging, relieved by putting ice on it. I have a cervical pillow that I bought from the chiropractor years ago and I'm using that.  I will go for x-rays next week, follow up with the neurosurgeon next Friday, expect to start physical therapy 3 weeks post op.  My neurosurgeon is also prescribing a bone stimulator to ensure my fusion will be solid.  He does this with EVERY patient that has a 2 or more level fusion.  I'm being very careful to 'loaf' which is extremely hard for me.  I intend to be gentler on myself than what the doctor advises to have the best outcome for me.  I don't want to compromise my recovery in any way.

My symptoms prior to surgery were nerve pain into my head (both sides of neck, and left side of head), collar bone pain, pain down between my shoulder blades, left foot nerve pain, left shoulder, arm, hand, and finger pain.  My right hand started to develop the familiar finger pain this summer and the neck stiffness increased.  I didn't have to do anything to aggravate the symptoms.  Carrying a handful of weeds in my left hand made my left bicep hurt.  I put up with all of this discomfort for years, being told I have a neuropathy, take Neurontin, Baclofen, and anti-inflammatories.  I did the med route, the chiropractor, and physical therapy.

I love to work out in the yard and we have 1/3 acre.  Pushing a lawn mower, using the weed whacker, sweeping, and all that goes into taking care of your yard would make my neck hurt for a week or more. Carrying groceries into the house, housecleaning, even driving caused me discomfort.  This year I had 2 episodes of left arm weakness that scared me. After helping a neighbor with some yard work, when I was undressing to take my shower, my left arm felt different and when I showered, it continued.  A couple weeks later the same thing happened after I did some yard work at my home.  My arm recovered from the weakness, but I didn't want to ignore it so I discussed it with my primary doctor.

I did my research, found out my own primary doctor had the same surgery, only 1 level, and talked to other people who had the surgery.  My brother had a 2 level after a car accident years ago.  My mother fell down the stairs a couple years ago and cracked a vertebrate that resulted in wearing a halo for a long time.  All of these people are feeling great now. I was terrified of this surgery but the 2 things that eased my mind was that my primary doctor advised me not to wait too long, she did and has permanent muscle wasting in her right arm and some tingling. The second thing was the OR nurse who would care for me in the OR had the same thing done and she said it was the best decision for her.

For me, attitude makes a difference. I think I was in good physical shape prior to surgery because of all the yard work and activity level that I maintained in spite of my problems.  (I always figured I'd hurt either way so I may as well reap some benefits of activity.) My neurosurgeon says I can return to running in 6 months.  I'm starting to go for walks to 'get out of the house' and I hope my good luck continues, I have a strong faith in the Lord, who is the only one who truly knows how much I have put up with, and I believe that OR nurse was a gift from him to ease my mind further. If you are Catholic you know St. Therese, 'the little flower'. She told the Lord she wanted to do good on Earth after her death and she always uses roses as her sign.  My sister sent me flowers and did not know what the florist chose.  There were 12 roses in the bouquet, three big Red ones and 9 pink rose buds.  My mother (a strong believer in St Therese) sent me a plant; it came from "A Bed of Roses" flower shop.  

I empathize with everyone who suffers from chronic pain and health issues, I have had my share since 29, and I

[JohnsonUSA]

Well I just had my 3 wk followup.  X-Rays looked good, though its too early to tell if fusion is happening or not.  At least the bone graft, plate and screws are still where the doc left them.  No need for the collar anymore, just cant lift more than 20lbs for the next month till my next appt.

If you're looking for a positive discectomy story I think I have to qualify.  I've been working since 4 days after surgery(graphic designer), and have no problems.  No more headaches, no more numbness, no more arm  or shoulder pain, no more swallowing pain.  The only pain I have is  a slight pinching between the shoulder blades if I turn my head certain ways.  It almost doesn't qualify as pain its so minor.  And I'm only 3 weeks post-op so I'm fairly confident that it will go away as I continue to heal.

Hope this gives hope to somebody else in need of the same surgery as me.  I literally feel as good as new only 3 weeks out!