Have 0 pain but c5 to 7 c spinal fusion recommended due to mri, EMG?

Posted by boriesmom @boriesmom, Nov 28, 2025

I have had a very stiff neck on the left side for months , had PT etc.. for weeks. Nothing helped, had an MRI which showed the C discs 5 6 7 are bad , no spinal fluid in there , did the EMG and since was told surgery carpal tunnel on the left wrist is recommended. again , I have no issues with my hand, nor wrist. Then I asked so if I have the laminectomy, the stiffness in my neck will go away and was told no that’s muscular. But if I don’t have the laminectomy, the odds of me falling, I’m 77 , could really injure my spine, then I would have issues with balance and possible pain in my legs , arms , who knows. Now I’m scheduled for a bone density scan which Medicare won’t pay for and scheduled for a neck ct . I am seriously considering cancelling everything! Not out of anxiety, but just wondering is all this really necessary as the only pain I have is apparently the stiff neck muscular pain so I’ve scheduled a couple massages. And See if that helps..

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joannehart | @joannehart | Dec 2, 2025

I had a C5-7 fusion with metal cage a few years ago because of severe pain. A neurologist told me I had carpal tunnel and that I needed surgery but after the neck surgery, the numbness in my hand disappeared. You need to find a good neurosurgeon. Sometimes if you wait too long, the area can’t be operated on due to calcification caused by arthritis. I had very little pain after the three and a half hour surgery. I had to wear a neck brace for a month except when sleeping or showering. All I could do was go for walks. Hope this information helps

mrmacabre | @mrmacabre | Dec 2, 2025

In reply to @boriesmom "Hmmm interesting! I have not had an accident so this neck/spine thing could just be ‘aging’..." + (show)

@boriesmom I didn't injure myself either time, it must have been wear and tear from decades of working physically demanding jobs and around the house. I never expected to need to have neck surgery on 2 different occasions.

boriesmom | @boriesmom | Dec 2, 2025

In reply to @nycmusic "Probably a good idea to stand back on all the med interventions until you feel secure..." + (show)

@nycmusic I have met with osteopaths, too, and they are on the same page as the neurosurgeon regarding having surgery; of course they are all in the same clinic so that may be why. Who knows. I do like the manual manipulations the DO’s have done. Very soothing and helps alleviate some pain in the neck for a time.