Thank you for your response.
I have severe spinal chord compression, and vertibra slippage. Scary to even look at the MRI. I am far beyond traditional pain modalities and should have had surgery at least 6 to 9 months ago. I just wanted to know what it would feel like to have your cspine fused from c3 to c5 ( new required posterior fusion) plus c5-c7 ( previous anterior fusion). So total fusion will be c3-c7. I am still doing consults w Neuro Spine surgeons, since my original, amazing honest neuronspine surgeon is now 4 hours away.
Yes, I had that. But, no, you are not beyond MFR. My point being that if you have some MFR you will know if you are ready for surgery. There is no choice if your head CAN'T stay on your shoulders properly. That is what did it for me. I felt what it was like to have my head ontop of my neck for 2 days, but then it would "slip" off (as you put it). I don't think what you are asking is what you really want to know - correct me please if I am wrong or right:
You want to know if you will be eliminating your mobility with the added fusion, is that correct?
So I had c3 to c7 ANTERIOR fusion. IT WAS A MIRACLE feeling. But I had an accident when I was 7 and didn't now I've been suffering for 60 years with a screwed up neck. It was an AMAZING surgery. But it didn't work because my bones were too soft. So, a week later, I was back in with emergency posterior surgery from C3 to T1 with an ROD down my back. Now my mobility is limited -- HOWEVER - it is not more limited than where I started from at 67 with a really messed up neck. In the end, I gained no mobility. BUT, I have a lot less pain. Now the myofascial keeps everything else in line and helps tons. In my case, I am severely round-shouldered, so it will take a couple of years for my back to accept the rod. One highlight is that everyone notices how straight I stand. Not hunched over like the little old lady I became. I thank God for that PLUS! Sounds to me like you should be finding a good Orthopedic surgeon to consult with as well. I am at a great orthopedic department at UCSD with a fine cervical spine department.
I am so grateful for this thread on neck pain and possible relief. Many thanks to all. I’ve put through a request on Mayo’s portal for a consultation and a new MRI, as they last did one in 2022. It showed damage mainly in c5-6-7, with moderate stenosis, mild bulging discs, Perineural cysts, and severe arthrosis.
I am recovering from my 2nd fusion at L4-5-S1, done July 2023, at Mayo, which this time feels successful - so it’s time to address my painful neck! I’ve been trying to build my core riding my new e-bike with my husband, I think I’ve been leaning forward and putting my weight on the handles? Something has increased the neck pain , turning my head is painful.
Any advice on how to progress is appreciated!
I recently had a reoccurance of a neck herniated disk problem. 3 yr's ago i was lucky that 2 sittings of cortisone shots worked. Now, 2 sittings and no relief. So, i opted for surgery and 'long story short', I'm recouperating and very little neck discomfort. I take Hydorcordone 5 mg. when needed. 3 disks were removed... ACDF C4-C5, C5-C6, C6-C7, The Xrays look great.
I was again reminded by my doc. & PA that I was not to 'BLT'. Bend, Lift, Turn.
I wear the neck brace continually (now it's the soft brace) and I agreed to purchase and wear this battery powered Bone Stimulator, 4 hr's a day.
Progressing OK. I recommend again, no BLT! Good Luck.
I had 3 anterior surgeries over 20 years and have hardware from C3 to Tl. BoneS did not fuse at c4-5 or at c7-T1. Doctor said the posterior way is the only way to approach now but said the recovery is pretty rough and recommends waiting until symptoms worsen. Not bad really, I've had a lot worse, usually just moderate arm,shoulder and neck pain. I've taken hydrocodone 10mg 3 to 4 time a day for the last 3 years since my last surgery. Gabapentin helps but I take only when really hurting as I can't think clearly when on it. ( But a lot of people do well on it). I take a lot of tylenol. Too much Nsaids make my tinnitus a lot worse. I am a 57 yo male.
I had 3 anterior surgeries over 20 years and have hardware from C3 to Tl. BoneS did not fuse at c4-5 or at c7-T1. Doctor said the posterior way is the only way to approach now but said the recovery is pretty rough and recommends waiting until symptoms worsen. Not bad really, I've had a lot worse, usually just moderate arm,shoulder and neck pain. I've taken hydrocodone 10mg 3 to 4 time a day for the last 3 years since my last surgery. Gabapentin helps but I take only when really hurting as I can't think clearly when on it. ( But a lot of people do well on it). I take a lot of tylenol. Too much Nsaids make my tinnitus a lot worse. I am a 57 yo male.
@orloffjr
Wow you sound like me but you are a little worse, I am 57 also. I feel and fractured c5 with 3 ruptured and 5 bulging discs in 2006. I had fusion with decompression c5-c7. In 2016 the pain became unbearable and I returned to the original surgeon who wanted to fuse me from C-1 to T-3 with spinal revision because of degeneration and non-fusion C5. But before agreeing I injured my back and I have 4 pinched nerves in lumbar spine L4-L5,S1. For that I was seeing a different surgeon who suggested doing a spinal revision C4-7 and fusion C1-C4. But at the checkup post surgery he never did the revision surgery saying it looked ok !! That was January 2025, and I have not gotten any better since ! Now I have severe pain and muscle loss in right arm. Following test and imagining I now will have posterior cervical fusion with decompression C4-C7 in Less than 12 months from my last surgery ! I have to do it do to pain severe loss of muscle and limiting use of my right arm ! Surgery is scheduled for January 16th
I had posterior fusion C-3 thru C-7, C-3 thru C-4 didn't fuse as the surgeon put the screws into the facet joint I had a surgeon do an anterior fusion at C-3 thru C-4 with a metal cage with oblique screws it worked and my neck fused.My first surgery was an anterior fusion C-4 Thru C-7 and it didn't completely fuse.That is why I had the posterior fusion.Also had a Laminectomy done when the posterior fusion was done to give me more clearance on my spinal cord in the cervical spine.
@orloffjr
Wow you sound like me but you are a little worse, I am 57 also. I feel and fractured c5 with 3 ruptured and 5 bulging discs in 2006. I had fusion with decompression c5-c7. In 2016 the pain became unbearable and I returned to the original surgeon who wanted to fuse me from C-1 to T-3 with spinal revision because of degeneration and non-fusion C5. But before agreeing I injured my back and I have 4 pinched nerves in lumbar spine L4-L5,S1. For that I was seeing a different surgeon who suggested doing a spinal revision C4-7 and fusion C1-C4. But at the checkup post surgery he never did the revision surgery saying it looked ok !! That was January 2025, and I have not gotten any better since ! Now I have severe pain and muscle loss in right arm. Following test and imagining I now will have posterior cervical fusion with decompression C4-C7 in Less than 12 months from my last surgery ! I have to do it do to pain severe loss of muscle and limiting use of my right arm ! Surgery is scheduled for January 16th
Hello @etownbill
My apologies for the late response. Just happened to hop on Mayo website for the first time in a long time. Are you still scheduled for the 16th? I had a posterior surgery similar to what you mentioned. C4 to T1 fused this past August. I didn't think the recovery was as bad as several of the anterior surgeries I have had. My main issue pre-op was a very compressed cord(Cervical myelopathy) at C4/C5 and C7/T1. It was affecting my legs and balance but we caught it pretty quick and all is better now. Fusion seems to be growing. I am using a bone growth stimulator. It is good that you weren't fused from C1 down as your neck range of would be completely gone. Also when I first had neck issues 30 years ago I had about 90% loss of strength in one arm but am happy so say I got it all back in about 6 months after the surgery. Take care and let me know how you are doing.
I had my first cervical surgery in 1982 with c1,c2 wired and fused posteriority after a head on collision with an intoxicated driver . My second surgery done posteriority involved a fussion from c1 - c7. This surgery was performed in 2006. For quite a few years I have been in excruciating pain. I am now in physical therapy trying to avoid a third surgery . Will PT help me or cause more harm ?
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Yes, I had that. But, no, you are not beyond MFR. My point being that if you have some MFR you will know if you are ready for surgery. There is no choice if your head CAN'T stay on your shoulders properly. That is what did it for me. I felt what it was like to have my head ontop of my neck for 2 days, but then it would "slip" off (as you put it). I don't think what you are asking is what you really want to know - correct me please if I am wrong or right:
You want to know if you will be eliminating your mobility with the added fusion, is that correct?
So I had c3 to c7 ANTERIOR fusion. IT WAS A MIRACLE feeling. But I had an accident when I was 7 and didn't now I've been suffering for 60 years with a screwed up neck. It was an AMAZING surgery. But it didn't work because my bones were too soft. So, a week later, I was back in with emergency posterior surgery from C3 to T1 with an ROD down my back. Now my mobility is limited -- HOWEVER - it is not more limited than where I started from at 67 with a really messed up neck. In the end, I gained no mobility. BUT, I have a lot less pain. Now the myofascial keeps everything else in line and helps tons. In my case, I am severely round-shouldered, so it will take a couple of years for my back to accept the rod. One highlight is that everyone notices how straight I stand. Not hunched over like the little old lady I became. I thank God for that PLUS! Sounds to me like you should be finding a good Orthopedic surgeon to consult with as well. I am at a great orthopedic department at UCSD with a fine cervical spine department.
I recently had a reoccurance of a neck herniated disk problem. 3 yr's ago i was lucky that 2 sittings of cortisone shots worked. Now, 2 sittings and no relief. So, i opted for surgery and 'long story short', I'm recouperating and very little neck discomfort. I take Hydorcordone 5 mg. when needed. 3 disks were removed... ACDF C4-C5, C5-C6, C6-C7, The Xrays look great.
I was again reminded by my doc. & PA that I was not to 'BLT'. Bend, Lift, Turn.
I wear the neck brace continually (now it's the soft brace) and I agreed to purchase and wear this battery powered Bone Stimulator, 4 hr's a day.
Progressing OK. I recommend again, no BLT! Good Luck.
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@orloffjr
Wow you sound like me but you are a little worse, I am 57 also. I feel and fractured c5 with 3 ruptured and 5 bulging discs in 2006. I had fusion with decompression c5-c7. In 2016 the pain became unbearable and I returned to the original surgeon who wanted to fuse me from C-1 to T-3 with spinal revision because of degeneration and non-fusion C5. But before agreeing I injured my back and I have 4 pinched nerves in lumbar spine L4-L5,S1. For that I was seeing a different surgeon who suggested doing a spinal revision C4-7 and fusion C1-C4. But at the checkup post surgery he never did the revision surgery saying it looked ok !! That was January 2025, and I have not gotten any better since ! Now I have severe pain and muscle loss in right arm. Following test and imagining I now will have posterior cervical fusion with decompression C4-C7 in Less than 12 months from my last surgery ! I have to do it do to pain severe loss of muscle and limiting use of my right arm ! Surgery is scheduled for January 16th
I had posterior fusion C-3 thru C-7, C-3 thru C-4 didn't fuse as the surgeon put the screws into the facet joint I had a surgeon do an anterior fusion at C-3 thru C-4 with a metal cage with oblique screws it worked and my neck fused.My first surgery was an anterior fusion C-4 Thru C-7 and it didn't completely fuse.That is why I had the posterior fusion.Also had a Laminectomy done when the posterior fusion was done to give me more clearance on my spinal cord in the cervical spine.
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1 ReactionHello @etownbill
My apologies for the late response. Just happened to hop on Mayo website for the first time in a long time. Are you still scheduled for the 16th? I had a posterior surgery similar to what you mentioned. C4 to T1 fused this past August. I didn't think the recovery was as bad as several of the anterior surgeries I have had. My main issue pre-op was a very compressed cord(Cervical myelopathy) at C4/C5 and C7/T1. It was affecting my legs and balance but we caught it pretty quick and all is better now. Fusion seems to be growing. I am using a bone growth stimulator. It is good that you weren't fused from C1 down as your neck range of would be completely gone. Also when I first had neck issues 30 years ago I had about 90% loss of strength in one arm but am happy so say I got it all back in about 6 months after the surgery. Take care and let me know how you are doing.
I had my first cervical surgery in 1982 with c1,c2 wired and fused posteriority after a head on collision with an intoxicated driver . My second surgery done posteriority involved a fussion from c1 - c7. This surgery was performed in 2006. For quite a few years I have been in excruciating pain. I am now in physical therapy trying to avoid a third surgery . Will PT help me or cause more harm ?