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Surgical solutions to chronic cervical/back pain
Spine Health | Last Active: Jul 11, 2018 | Replies (52)Comment receiving replies
I had an ACDF C5-7 (Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion) due to two ruptured discs. If you have damage to the nerves the sooner you get surgery the better! From what I understand the longer the nerve remains injured the longer it takes the nerve to heal (IF it heals) I had my surgery 5+ years ago and am SO glad I did it. The pain down my arm was better instantly and the "dropsies" got better in three months. There was very little post op pain from the incision. Make sure your neurosurgeon is trained in the anterior (front of the neck) approach. Posterior is MUCH harder to recover from and I don't think anyone does it anymore. My scar from my neck blends with the natural contour of the neck and you can barely see it. I do have some mild neck pain that I occasionally take some Aleve for. Once again, I am very happy I had the surgery. Feel free to PM me if you want to discuss it more.
Replies to "I had an ACDF C5-7 (Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion) due to two ruptured discs. If..."
Totally agree with you. My first fusion was as you described and gave me 15 years of basically pain free time..,the later surgeries are what became problematic...for Jenapower...
Thank you all for your experiences, and advise. It's very much appreciated.
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Leh09,thank you for your reply. That's basically what they want to do and it is anterior. The problem is it's three levels, C4-7. I also wondered about disc replacement or a combination of fusion and replacement. My biggest problem is it's causing bilateral neck pain, leading to horrible headaches. I would give anything to get the pain in my neck and the headaches to stop. They are constant. I do have nerve damage in my left arm, hand and baby finger. Also on the right side of my neck. I hate this. Your input is very helpful!
Jennifer