still having neck and shoulder pain after fusion of C3-C7

[larmstrong]

I have had 3 fusions since 2004 the last 2 being this past year 2006.  I am still have severe pain whether or not I move my neck or not, as well as pain in arms and shoulders.  Taking pain meds is getting really old.  What else can I do.

[cindyjag]

I hate to hear you are still having pain after so long. I had my C5-6 fused with a plate and screws .am having severe right shoulder pain. I am taking muscle relaxers and pain meds, but they arent helping. I called the surgeon's office today and am awaiting a call back. The pain runs down the right side of my neck and my shoulder is hard as a rock and every time i move my shoulder a pain shoots down my back. Can anyone tell me if this is normal, and if so how long it lasts? By the way, my surgery was exactly one week ago, so i probably shouldnt be whining so much yet

Thanks for any advice or info on how this surgery affected you.

[rainsummer]

have you had a MRI lately?

I will have 3 levels fused next week and in my review the doctor wrote ...that further surgery might be needed in the future...the levels above and below the fusion can fail ...he also wrote that a plate in the back of the neck might be needed in the future to stabilize the spine. He wrote out all the things that can go wrong and cause me to need more surgery...here is what he wrote....

needs for futher surgery....fracture/migration/pullout/fretting/corrosion of plate or screws/metal sensitivity/excessive bulk/foreign body reaction/metal sloghing/non healing of bone graft..

so alot can go wrong afterwards. Of course only your doctor can investigate the cause of your pain.

GOOD LUCK!