@sb6088
I had ACDF surgery on c5-c6 in 2022, decompression/fusion of L3-L5 in 2024 and ACDF c6-c7 in 2025. I have a congenitally narrow spinal canal which causes many issues for me with any degeneration. I am 56 (female).

I may need L2-L3 decompressed/fused (adjacent segment issue) due to severe stenosis. I remember something shifted when trying to rotate sides/rollover in bed and my back twisted about 3 months after my L3-L5 surgery. That seems to have herniated my L2-L3 disc. I may also need surgery again in my cervical spine because something seems to have shifted in my neck and I have new pain. The issue with fusion is that your spine wants to move but not all levels can move as normal. A big missing piece in my opinion is teaching fusion patients how to do things differently and change body mechanics with fusion to reduce risk of adjacent segment issues.

Before my lumbar surgery, I had back/hips/buttocks, legs and foot pain, weakness and numbness affecting my standing/walking (hard to do without symptoms for 5-10 minutes). I had severe stenosis at L4-L5 and neurogenic claudication. It was an extremely painful surgery but many symptoms improved, especially the pain and numbness. I have residual weakness due to long term nerve/spinal cord compression injury and my new severe stenosis at L2-L3.

After my c5-c6 ACDF surgery, my daily headaches, neck/shoulder pain, arm/hand weakness, bladder control issues and heaviness in legs when walking, all improved after surgery. I have residual permanent weakness in my arms/hands due to delayed diagnosis of cervical spondylotic degenerative myelopathy (spinal cord compression injury).

I don’t have regrets getting the surgery and anticipate many surgeries in my future due to my narrow spinal canal. I’m not looking forward to this but do t feel I have much choice. I want to do physical therapy to help regain some muscle strength and flexibility since I have gotten so deconditioned the last 6+ years due to pain/weakness/numbness affecting my ability to do most things.