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Normal symptoms 4wks after C5-C6 fusion?
Spine Health | Last Active: Sep 25 8:54pm | Replies (12)Comment receiving replies
@tk14
I had ACDF on C5-C6 in 2022 and C6-C7 in 2025.
What were your symptoms prior to surgery and what were you told about reducing symptoms with surgery? Did you have ACDF procedure or did they need to go through the back of the neck?
Did you have an EMG/nerve conduction study of upper limbs before surgery? This is usually done to check/confirm spinal nerve root compression causing radiculopathy symptoms. A neurologist typically does this.
If you haven’t already asked your surgeon, you may want to ask to have an updated MRI to check soft tissues post surgery. An X-ray or ct scan won’t show soft tissue inflammation or injury. You may have new compression of a nerve/blood vessel, especially when moving your neck in certain positions. Have you slept on your neck in a way that is causing your symptoms or twisted your head/neck in a way that affected your fusion? Have you been wearing a neck brace post surgery and do you have hardware in your neck? Do any of the medications you are taking have side effects that line up with yours? You may want to review all medications you are taking and your symptoms with your pharmacist to see if there are any interactions and recommended changes they could make to your doctor(s).
Replies to "@tk14 I had ACDF on C5-C6 in 2022 and C6-C7 in 2025. What were your symptoms..."
@tk14
I just looked up information tied to CSF leaks for someone else and some of the symptoms seem similar to yours. You may want to go to the ER if your surgeon suggests this to have a MRI of brain/cervical spine to check for CSF leak(s).
Here is the information I found:
Signs of a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak following spine surgery can vary, but some common symptoms to watch for include:
Common Signs and Symptoms
Clear Fluid Drainage: Leakage of clear or slightly pink fluid from the surgical incision or nose.
Headache: A severe headache, often described as a "thunderclap" headache, which may worsen when sitting or standing and improve when lying down.
Nausea and Vomiting: These symptoms can accompany headaches.
Neck Stiffness: Difficulty in moving the neck or stiffness may occur.
Changes in Vision: Blurred or double vision can be a sign of increased intracranial pressure.
Hearing Changes: Some may experience ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or other auditory changes.
Dizziness or Balance Issues: Feeling lightheaded or having trouble with balance can occur.
Additional Considerations
Fever: A fever may indicate an infection, which can be a complication of a CSF leak.
Neurological Symptoms: Any new weakness, numbness, or changes in sensation should be reported immediately.
If any of these symptoms are present after spine surgery, it is essential to contact a healthcare provider promptly for evaluation and management. Early intervention can help prevent complications associated with CSF leaks.
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I did have an EMG nerve study beforehand through a neurologist, which only showed carpal tunnel. I had an ACDF procedure. My symptoms before surgery were weakness, fatigue, burning, tingling, and occasionally, I felt like my left arm or leg didn’t want to listen. I didn’t have pain except on the left side of my chest (cardiologist ruled out heart). None of the doctors I visited provided any instructions on managing symptoms beforehand. They saw the stenosis, and surgery seemed to be the only option.
I have been very careful not to twist my head/neck, and I do wear my hard neck brace unless I'm eating or sleeping.
I did take my very first cymbalta the day before my symptoms got really bad. I only took the one and haven't taken one since. I was afraid it was the culprit, but unfortunately, my symptoms aren't improving.
My surgeons team has not provided much assistance post surgery but I differenlty ask about the MRI.