Cervical Myelopathy: Has anyone fused the entire cervical spine?

Posted by annie1 @annie1, Mar 2 12:48am

After focusing on my lumbar spine pain for years one surgeon ordered a cervical MRI which opened up a can of worms. It seems I am at risk of spinal cord compression. Most of my cervical discs are degenerated badly. Has anyone here had fusion for the entire cervical spine for myelopathy and how did it work out? Are there surgeons at Mayo that focus on this?

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gilkesl | @gilkesl | Mar 3 9:11am

Yes, Mayo neurosurgery focuses on fusions for cervical myelopathy. You must go through triage first.

denmark | @denmark | Mar 7 7:04am

My neurosurgeon wants to fuse C1 through C6. I have a failed C1 – C2 fusion. My C5 – C6 is stable. I’ve been having dizziness and bad headaches. Got a second opinion. They recommend gabapentin and occipital nerve blocks to see if I can get relief instead of having such a high risk surgery. I recommend getting a second opinion.