Connect
← Return to Spinal fusion of C1-C6
Discussion
Comment receiving replies
2 years ago, I was walking in to work when I noticed my shoe wouldn’t stay on my right foot. My foot was tilting toward the right and lifting out of my shoe. I have not been able to wear shoes that don’t tie since then. No one is able to tell me why I have a constricting feeling around my rib cage and knees. I recently had cervical spinal fusion and was diagnosed with spondylitis and lumbar spinal stenosis. I’ve lost sensation of hot, cold and touch in my left leg and experience severe muscle tightness in my right leg. The fusion has caused severe neck pain and tingling and numbness in my arms and hands that was not there before the surgery. My initial complaints were my legs and inability to wear a shoe on my right foot. No one is suggesting surgery for lumbar spine and I don’t know where to get help. I’m 52 years old and feel like a 90 year old.
Replies to "2 years ago, I was walking in to work when I noticed my shoe wouldn’t stay..."
@skeefee I wanted to welcome you to Connect. I am also a cervical spine fusion patient. One thing I have learned is that surgery creates scar tissue, and we all have some fascial restrictions anyway. Together this can create body alignment issues and cause pain, and it can be tied back to the surgical scar. I do a therapy called myofascial release which is a specific hands-on way to stretch the tight fascial layers of connective tissue. It helps me a lot, and periodically my incision tightens up, and I do stretch to release it, and also see my PT.
Here is the link to our discussion on MFR.
MFR — Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) for treating compression and pain: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myofascial-release-therapy-mfr-for-treating-compression-and-pain/
Have you heard of myofascial release before?
Hello @skeefee and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect.
You will notice that I have moved your post into an existing discussion on spinal fusions, which you can find here:
- Spinal fusion of C1-C6: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/spinal-fusion-of-c1-c6/
I did this to better connect you with members such as @jenniferhunter and @neferkem1 who have both joined you already. I will let you reply to their posts.
Connect
Hello @skeefee , I had the opposite problem. Due to an elevator accident, I had to have C5-6 Fusion. It felt WONDERFUL! I gained back some feeling in my left arm, and could grip a pen to write!
1 year later, L-4 moved forward 54% over L-5. Had surgery for THAT. Now L5 is moving left over S-1. I have lost feeling in most of my left leg. Falls, broken bones, etc.
When I first had the C5-6 surgery the doctor said it might have a domino effect, as I would be moving differently.
I have HORRIBLE muscle spasms, which never stopped. They make it painful to breath, and move. It feels like a vice.
Sounds like you need a new set of doctors! Easier said than done in some cities/states.