Spinal fusion of C1-C6

Hi, Years ago, I had two level fusion in my cervical spine, now all my discs above there have collapsed and “autofused”, so I have limited neck turning also. I also bought a new car for the same reason you mention! It’s wonderful to have that and not worry about limited views to the side!

I had Chairi decompression 20 years ago. Have been having pressure and pain in my head and neck constantly for the past 4 mths. Have been to 2 neurosurgeons who sent me to pain management and neurologists who said it was migraines. The one admitted me to make sure I didn't have hydrocephalus or increased ICP. Gave me the migraine protocol and pumped me full of meds for 48 hrs with no relief. I have 8/10 pain with head down movement or arm use or bend over action. I am dizzy nauseated lightheaded. I have poor concentration. Blurry vision when I look down. Weakness on right side. Tingling on both sides of body and lower part of face. Poor gag reflex. I cough on food and drink. Fullness in right ear and pain in. Right ear. Ringing in ears. Saw 3 rd neurosurgeon who said it is cervical instability and sent me for upright mri with flexion and extension and said I may need a cervical fusion. Anyone have this surgery?

Hello @jacklynn12 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You will see that I have moved your post into a discussion on spinal fusion where other members have been sharing about their fusion experiences and asking questions of one another. You may find it helpful to hit the "View & Reply" button on this email and scroll back through the previous posts of members.

As well, I'd like to mention members @wisco50 @faithgirl30 and @ken82 to see if they may have some information they can share with you.

You said the 3rd Neurosurgeon you saw said you "may" need a cervical fusion. What was his/her finding that led them to that recommendation, if you know and are willing to share?

Hello jacklynn12, I had a cervical fusion from occiput to T3 in 2016, It was performed because of instability and spinal cord compression due to long term juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. It took about 3 years for me to really get used to not being able to move my head, twisting from the waist, proper posture, etc. But, I did. The surgery was long and difficult for me, because I have a difficult airway. I was placed in ICU for 5 days (planned ahead of time), and then agreed to in patient rehab for two weeks, then outpatient for two months. Residually, I have much less pain, but get occasional headaches and deal with ongoing neuropathy in my shoulder/upper back area. I'm not sure what else to tell you, except what I experienced before. Because of the spinal cord compression, my surgery was urgent enough to be performed within a month of diagnosis. Prior to diagnosis, about 2 months before surgery, I started getting symptoms--"zaps" down my legs, numbness in my fingers, hands, and reduced coordination in my hands, as well as more pain and a sense of heaviness in my head. I was tired all the time.

Please let me know if I can offer anymore information, and I wish you all the best!

Would like to hear from others who have had a C1/C2 fusion procedure

Yes please all comments welcomed

@yogi7593 I was able to find another existing discussion on spinal fusion and have moved your post to allow you to better connect with other members like @jacklynn12 and @tlt.

Is this fusion for you or a loved one?

It's for me
Thanks!

My fusion was more extensive than C1-2, but undoubtedly equally unsettling. Do you have instability or other symptoms you are dealing with? Do you know how the surgeons plan to address it? My fusion covers C1-T3, and the highest levels are fused with a metal plate attached at the bottom of my skull. I have no motion in my neck, but don't know what you can expect with your surgery. But I am happy to help or discuss in any way I can. I do wish you all the best and a speedy, easy recovery period.

K live in High Point NC looking for a specialist for arachnoiditis in 2013 had failed adult scoliosis fusion T12-S2 bones did not fuse and both rods have broken & loose screws.2015 I had SCS that lasted about 1 year then pain moved up to cervical & upper thoracic were the SCS want reach.2016 was told I have arachnoditis at L2-L3,L4-L5 with burning feet & shoulders bladder problems,shock like spasms from low back to left calf,tingling in both legs,headaches severe sweating spells and blurred vision when upper spasms happens see pain management for medications but no one I can find to help treat the actual problem from arachnoiditis.Please help direct me if you can.Thanks.