Cervical Posterior fusion from C-3 thru C-7,

In terms of the pain while waiting: I had epidural injections while I was waiting for surgery and that made a significant difference at least for a while. While narcotics and lyrica dull some of the pain, it was still clearly there. You might try deep tissue massage while you wait and for after.

In terms of the surgery itself, I've had 3 ACDF's (one a revision as I got MRSA) and the first one helped considerably but my last surgery failed to decrease pain. But it's very possible I have more going on, especially because I have 2 vertebrae not fused between fused ones. One thing no one told me about was the incredible muscle pain between the shoulders you get post surgery from ACDF surgery and that last at least a month. This is from the way you are strapped down on the table for such an extended length of time and those muscles rebel loudly. That was a significant source of pain without doubt. Can I ask if the MRI is acknowledging severe stenosis at all these levels? My surgeon (Harvard and Emory trained) was firmly against fusing anything that didn't show severe pathology despite leaving two vertebrae un-fused within the range of fused areas.

Hello
I would definitely try a higher dose of gabapentin. Many people tolerate it well at doses of 1000mg and more per day. I take 600mg as needed for severe nerve pain.It does make me groggy but helps me sleep and move with much less pain. God bless whatever you decide.

I am so grateful for this thread on neck pain and possible relief. Many thanks to all. I’ve put through a request on Mayo’s portal for a consultation and a new MRI, as they last did one in 2022. It showed damage mainly in c5-6-7, with moderate stenosis, mild bulging discs, Perineural cysts, and severe arthrosis.
I am recovering from my 2nd fusion at L4-5-S1, done July 2023, at Mayo, which this time feels successful - so it’s time to address my painful neck! I’ve been trying to build my core riding my new e-bike with my husband, I think I’ve been leaning forward and putting my weight on the handles? Something has increased the neck pain , turning my head is painful.
Any advice on how to progress is appreciated!

I would lay off the bike riding. You're constantly bending over while needing to pull your neck up to see. Prior to my surgery, any time I had to bend over it was too painful. Even after surgery this is still difficult for me to do. If you google "is biking good for your neck" you'll see many reports like this "While cycling can help strengthen muscles and improve endurance, the position of the neck during cycling can cause neck pain. The head is positioned forward of the shoulders, which can increase stress on cervical tissues and muscular activity." Given you're already experiencing neck pain, this may be one of the worst activities for you right now. No wonder you're having increased symptoms. If your doctor prescribed muscle relaxers, you might get some relief from the spasming this likely caused. Try a heating pad as the heat will increase blood flow to the area. And alternative with ice can decrease inflammation. My heart goes out to you. Owie!

Thank you for your response, I believe you are right. Although it’s an upright bike, and I sit straight, I think I must be trying to reduce the weight on my lumbar spine by leaning forward. My core just isn’t strong enough yet. I feel I made an error waiting so long to have my surgeries, the doctors all told me to put off a fusion until the pain is too much. 10 years before my first fusion, then two and a half years again for my successful second. I will concentrate on building up my core again in other ways.
A tale of caution to everyone who reads this, don’t let fear of surgery keep you from trying to get better. Yes sometimes it doesn’t help, but it often does!

Thanks for the reply I have started taking 100 mg of Gabapentin twice a day with my Diclofenac and it seems to be helping some.

I have an indoor recumbent bike I use to get some exercise and it doesn't bother my neck as you are sitting in an upright position. .I also have a treadmill which I walk on which does bother my neck.

Thanks, why do you think your treadmill makes your neck hurt? I am finding walking bothers my neck too and I’m not sure why.

Not sure why it is a Nordic Commercial 1750 model where I am supposed to be able to set the amount of cushioning on it but it seams to be a hard surface to walk on compared to a Sole treadmill I had before.But when I was using the Sole treadmill my neck didn’t have the rods in the back.Which could be the difference.

I had spinal fusion C-4-C-7 Feb 1st 2023. I was better. Since Aug I have had an extremely hard time swallowing, my gag reflex stops me from eating at times. When I turn you can hear cracking. I have had new x-rays and a ct with contrast. Hardware is all in place. Dr’s don’t know what to do, I take acid reflux meds, seen ent’s and gastroenterologists. Still no answers. The attachment says there is no peri implant superior there are fractures, that is from my surgeon. I do not understand and am getting no answers to the there are fractures.