Spinal fusion of C1-C6

Hello everyone, I have had cervical surgery laminectomy fusion from level C3-T3 in 2003 and L4-S1 in 2021 and I have been fairly doing well until recently that I started having pain in one side of my neck. I had MRI and CT Scan done which revealed herniation at C2-C3. I am begining to be afraid that of another surgery is suggested it would be between C1-C3 fusing all of my cervical spine. I am hoping for this not to be the case. Could anyone apprise me of what complication may be likely involved in the problem and what option do I have.

Please advise.

Welcome to MayoConnect. I found many useful comments on the site and I often asked questions to hear other perspectives.

That's a lot of surgeries and fusions - I can understand your concern to avoid a full fusion if possible. You didn't say - have your spine issues been from an accident or genetic? As you are well aware, genetically driven spinal degradation won't repair itself. I had a C4-7 ACDF and L2-5 decompression and fusion. I didn't make the surgery decision based just on my pain levels - I became increasingly concerned that permanent nerve damage from spinal compression could force me to a wheelchair or some such if I waited too long. While the struggles of surgery have been significant - I'm still glad I made those decisions.

What sort of doctor are you consulting with?

Damages to my spine was as a result of automobile accident that happened when a trailer broadsided my car in 1987 in which I was rendered unconscious for days.

I am currently seeing a neurosurgeon and I am waiting to hear what his advise would be.

What I am trying to avoid is having to have my entire neck fused and not able to move my head at all to depend on others to do things for me. I am a strong active 70 years old and I am afraid of more surgery that might be not to my benefit

Any advise will really help.

My spinal issues were genetic but the decision process is similar in either case.

Basically - you are faced with a personal risk management decision. And you have to make that decision with imperfect and incomplete data. It is a difficult decision and I counsel getting multiple opinions from the best facilities with the best equipment for diagnostic work. I also talked to a variety of doctors and even consulted with a non-medical research scientist because I wanted to be comfortable I was thinking through all my options, clearly.

Ultimately, for me, the risks of surgery became more tolerable than the risks of deferred surgery. Only you - armed with lots of information and qualified medical opinions - can make the call.