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← Return to Constant Pain with NO Answers
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Thank you for your candid comments on what you have been going through. My experience has been similar to yours except that I have had hardware put in C2-C3 and after having gone through nearly 2 years of rehab, stemcell injections and numerous Physical Therapy sessions with no improvement in pain levels. I have stopped taking harsh medications and occasionally take Tylenol PM to help relieve the pain to be able to sleep. I would like to hear more about the outcomes you have received at Mayo!
Thank you,
Raymond
Replies to "Thank you for your candid comments on what you have been going through. My experience has..."
Before my first ACDF surgery on c5-c6 (with hardware) in 2022, I had daily headaches, neck and shoulder pain/knots, tinnitus, arm/hand weakness and numbness, bladder control issues, difficulty walking (heaviness in legs), and balance issues. Most symptoms improved but I have residual balance issues and arm/hand weakness (my spinal cord was being compressed/injured for over 5 years due to misdiagnosis). My balance worsened and I had a return of bladder control issues and arm/hand numbness (plus had bilateral carpal tunnel) so I had the 2025 ACDF surgery on c6-c7. These symptoms reduced. With both surgeries and hardware, I only took pain medication after surgery for a week or two and now use extra strength Tylenol for pain (can’t use NSAIDs due to gastritis/esophagitis). I really haven’t done physical therapy but I’m sure I would benefit from strengthening deconditioned muscles.
Your extended period of pain following cervical spine surgery is concerning. Did they need to cut from the back of the neck? That may be why you have more pain if they needed to cut through muscles in the back of your neck to get to your spine. What has your surgeon said about the reasons for your pain post surgery?
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@rleloup234
How long ago did you have your decompression/fusion surgery on c2-c3? Are your symptoms and pain different after surgery than before surgery? Was your spinal cord compressed as well as your nerve roots?
Have you had an updated MRI after surgery and more recently to narrow down the source of your pain? Did you get an injury during surgery or is the pain new compression? Do you have any numbness/weakness in your shoulders, arms, and/or hands? Is your pain only in your neck/shoulders?