C7 Surgery Recovery

[Gary794]

I had surgery for a fracture on C7 (also called Clay Shoveler Fracture). Has anyone had surgery for a fracture at C7. It been 4 days since my surgery.  What is recovery from surgery for a fracture at C7 like.  At the present time my neck and shoulder are in pain and very sore.  I have had a constant bad headache that will not stop.  

Any suggestion on how my recovery will go over the next few weeks will be appreciated and what I can do to help with my recovery.

Thanks,

Gary794

[cosnemews]

I had surgery to remove an ununited spinous process at T1 10 years ago - it wasn't diagnosed for 3 years!  I have suffered with headaches ever since the surgery.........I hope yours didn't develop into chronic headaches. It seems to be a really rare fracture so was interested to find other people who had the same injury.

[Tuckamore]

Hi Again Gary,

I had a fracture at C7, a Clay Shoveler's Fracture when I was playing softball some years ago. Because it is generally a stable fracture I required no surgery. It took about five weeks before the neck pain and headaches subsided. The neck and shoulder pain was worse than the headache for me.  

I rarely have a headache these days. On occasion I have had a return of the headaches. When that occurs I see a D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathy) who is able to gently manipulate me neck and the headaches go away. You would not be a candidate for a manipulation until your are well healed from the surgery.

Sorry I cannot offer you additional suggestions. Maybe someone else can comment on recovery from this surgery. As I said I did not require surgery. I wish you the best and hope you will keep in touch and let us know how you are doing.

Take Care,
Tuck