I could use some feedback from anyone who has had cervical fusion.

My doctors are at UTSW of Dallas TX

I had ACDF (cervical spine fusion) surgery 5 years ago while vacationing in Alabama. I was told if I didn’t have the surgery, I would definitely become paralyzed from the neck down, but with the surgery, I would have the opportunity to avoid that risk. Of course, as with all surgeries, there was the minor risk of the surgery causing those same results. In my mind, I had no choice but to go ahead with the fusion. I had 4 screws placed in my neck. My surgery was a resounding success! As a follow up to the surgery, I used a bone growth stimulator which creates electro magnetic field to stimulate bone cells to double, increasing bone growth to enable acceleration of the spine fusion.

My PT instruction was to walk, walk, and walk some more. I do walk daily, but also walk in a local, park district warming pool three times weekly. I do believe that I was very fortunate to find an excellent spine surgeon in Alabama while on vacation. I would highly recommend him but he has since retired.

I have two friends who have also had successfully recovered from this exact surgery, but I would be remiss not to mention that I have heard of a local resident who had the surgery and it was quite unsuccessful. You need to examine the risk and reward in your own, personal life. I consider myself very fortunate.

Best of luck and prayers to you.

@cheryl46 Are you consulting a spine specialist there?

I head surgery spinal fusion surgery T11 thru S11=last April 2024, my doctor recommends walking and stationery bike. My surgery was done in Miami, Florida. I haven't had any pain. I am still not able to bend, twist or lift. I am truly fortunate because before my surgery my spine was twisted and the pain from my lower back, down my legs and the numbing was unbearable, it was to the point where I could hardly walk. After, the surgery all my pain is gone, however, my body function is nowhere where it use to be, I am not able to take a bath, I need aides to put on my clothes and shoes, I can only shower because I can't bend. My entire lifestyle has changed and I am adjusting to the new normal. In some ways I am thankful for the surgery because it alleviated all my pain but the things like, driving my care, cleaning, exercising, picking up things that I drop on the floor not able to pick them up is something that I didn't think about before having this surgery. The little things that I took for granted I can't do now, not saying that in the far future it isn't going to happen for me again, but right now its the trade offs that I didn't consider. I guess its up to the individual as to what works for you. My traveling is limited and dressing myself is a job but I manage but it's different for me now. My doctor said the healing process takes a year, however, while I am in the process I think this will take longer and I must be patient with this process and not do the things that will hinder my recovery efforts. It going to be a long road to recovery be patient and take care of yourself and your body carefully.

I am considering having ACDF (spinal fusion) C4-C5 C5-C6; C6-C7. I am very concerned about neck movement post procedure. Can you bend your neck as before or is it restricted by the implants. How was your recovery as far as back to work or normal life outside of the home?
I am very interested in the post operative bone stimulator and warm pool therapy. Was this suggested by your surgeon and part of your PT? So many questions! Thank you in advance.

I can bend my neck and have no restrictions since my surgery. Neither do my two friends who had the same surgery. But, as I mentioned, i do know of someone who had an unsuccessful surgery and his head is now permanently bend down. I do not know the statistics on this. But there is a risk. I think within 5-6 weeks, i was in very good shape. The bone stimulator was prescribed by my doctor. A tech delivered it in person to my home and explained to me how to use it, which was super easy. You can get a prescription for Walking in the pool for therapy or if you have a pool near you, you can just go on your own. Walking forward, backward and side by side were the most important movements. I also concentrate on balance exercises in the pool, like standing on one leg, etc.

Hi, maybe I missed it, but not sure how long ago you had surgery…? In any case, your surgeon is correct; it takes time - A LOT of time!! Be gentle on yourself and go easy. DO YOUR PHYSICAL THERAPY!!! (Not yelling…) I’ve had two neck fusion’s because the first one didn’t fuse and lumbar… along with a mess of other problems… be patient and cell the “small victories “!! And “no pain”! Some aren’t as lucky… best of recovery !

I had C4-5 fusion done through front of throat in August 2000. Everything went well and my severe mid to upper back pain went away after the surgery. The only issue is had was wearing the medieval contraption called the neck brace. It was so uncomfortable, but you can get through it.

Now 24 years later I have still had no issues and glad it was done. However I now have degenerative disc disease throughout my spine and 2 years ago at meningioma brain tumor removed. Due to lower back pain from DDD and mobility issues from the brain tumor removal my Neurologist had my entire spine MRI'd.

After 24 years the MRI showed some fusion changes but nothing serious or to worry about. "Susceptibility change from anterior fusion at C4-5."

I personally think you have no worries about the fusion in today's medical field.

When you say bend your neck, are you able to bend up to the ceiling and down to your chest. Then from side to side without any restriction. I love to read so want to be able to do that without any issue. Swimming moving my head from side to side. Thank you again!

Hi ..I've had C6,7 and C3,4 fused from front and C3,4 fused from back plus My surgeon had to remove a complete vertabrae because I had so much arthritis in there ..life has been ok but have now Occipital Neuralgia which I plan on having Deuks Plasma Rhizotomy done on . I know nothing of post operative bone stimulator but the warm pool therapy would be wonderful ...best wishes .
I am having some trouble with C7-T1 now as I'm thinking I've got problems there now as being C6,7 my first fusion and it going further down .. I've got a horrible neck with whiplash as I was 17 .