Pain in shoulder after cervical surgery

I'm so sorry. I'm close to your age and have also had life changes, but nothing like you it sounds like. I initially went to the orthopedist because I thought there was something wrong with my shoulder but the shoulder guy felt the problem stemmed my neck and was referred to another surgeon. After the cervical surgeries (I had to have revision because I developed MRSA osteomyelitis) I was convinced there was something still going on in my shoulder but gradually it got better until I had a huge flare-up while on vacation. I ended up in the ER, where once again, they said it was my neck and not my shoulder. My surgeon just ordered an MRI and CT. The MRI shows serious compression of the thecal sac and cord at C3-4 and at this point looks like I'm lined up again for neck surgery. That said, you are in the early recovery phase when shoulder pain is at it's worst (from positioning). But considering your pain levels I might suggest you ask for imaging of your shoulder. There is always a chance that pathology may be found accounting for your extreme pain. I do not believe most post ACDF patients have shoulder pain to the degree you are describing (which sounds close to a 9/10). Also, at this stage people are using cold pads to bring down pain levels. There are also icing machines you can rent which provide continuous icy-level water. Maybe you could ask to try that though I'm unsure if its contra-indicative considering shoulder replacement. I really feel for you, honestly. You need lots of big hugs

Oh I am sorry that you are going through this, please keep me posted on an upcoming news on your surgery, it sounds like you have a good team of Doctors. It can be, as you know , quite confusing with your neck and shoulder involved Yes, I agree I am likely looking at more shoulder surgeries, I see my neuro PA tomorrow so will find out the time frame before I see the Orthopedic. Thank you for the icing tip, I do have those ice sleeves from prior surgeries and am using those around the clock. Thank you so very much for your kindness and suggestions.

Please let me know how you are doing after these upcoming appointments

Do you think the surgery was worth it?
I need surgery but afraid it will make me worse.
Any suggestions would be helpful. Thank you.
God bless
Genie

Hi there. Thought I would write and tell you what happened at the neurosurgeon…. The doctor at the hospital told me to stop all of my gabapentin for nerve pain until I saw the doctor again, so of course I did. Huge mistake . Will say something to the hospital. Once I started the gabapentin the pain lessened. Although today for some reason it is very bad again so possibly something that I did. Not quite at 3 weeks.

How are you feeling and is anything new on your end surgery wise?

Too many doctors say it’s not my shoulder but my neck so that I now fully believe them What did your doctor say when you brought up the incredible pain you have there? Did anyone give you an indication of why you should stop taking your gabapentin? I take 150 mg Lyrica every night We’re looking at Nov 4 for surgery and just needs dr approval His wife is due on 11/8 but it’s a first child so she could deliver later lol

I would believe them too. It was his PA and she said she believed it was from the lack of Gabapentin which it was believe something did happen to my one shoulder. , to be put on fentanyl is a good indicator. (That was just when I woke up) the hospital Dr gave those instructions, I was told always check with your Dr instead..

Ok so Nov 4, I will be here if you need to talk about anything afterwards, you will do great , try not to worry. Funny about the Dr!

I am fresh into this ball game also after my 3rd neck disection. A lot of pain in my inner left shoulder and difficulty raising it up at the sides or reaching forward...i have been doing physical therapy and excercise for it, but not to much improvements. I also get nerve zaps across my face...knots in top shoulder muscles as well as behind shoulder blades. I woke up one morning with drooping right side lip and chin...my last surgery was a radical neck disection...so i believe it was due to a messed up nerve, or nerve reaction when the muscles contract and resteict those nerves...i have an appointment set up with orthopedics....i have had shoulder injections before for inflamation, but not after neck surgery, so hopefully will have some kind of verdict or solution after i see him in November....

I had c3-c7 PCDF over 3 weeks ago. Only pain I have is right shoulder blade .Hope is goes away eventually.

Any tips on how to deal with wesring hard collar for 6 weeks post op? I am finding it very difficult. Hard to sleep.