Connect
← Return to Excruciating chronic left side neck pain plus lumbar issues
Discussion
Excruciating chronic left side neck pain plus lumbar issues
Spine Health | Last Active: Nov 18, 2023 | Replies (360)Comment receiving replies
Hello Alfred,
I can only speak to your question whether anyone has had a multi-level fusion of the cervical spine. I had C1 through C5 fused on November 25th, 2022 following a body surfing accident. It has been 11 weeks, so I’m fairly new to this.
The fusion has severely affected my capability to drive. I can move my head vertically about 30 degrees, but maybe 10 degrees horizontally. So checking for traffic flow at stop signs is difficult at best. I lift myself out of the seat to turn at the torso when checking for traffic coming from the right and left at a stop sign. I just bought a car with blind spot monitoring to be a bit safer. Otherwise I can care for myself, but have not ventured to bike or play tennis, which are/were my passions. It is not pleasant to have a fixated head and neck but I don’t know how things may improve since I’m only in my 11th week and start PT on Tuesday. Feel free to ask specific questions.
Replies to "Hello Alfred, I can only speak to your question whether anyone has had a multi-level fusion..."
Connect
I worry about you lifting yourself from the carseat to check for traffic. They make a “lazy Susan” type disk to sit on to allow your body to move without the lifting. I can’t speak to its use or comfort. Early after hip replacement, I used a plastic bag on my carseat which allowed me to move as needed without lifting off the seat. I’d hate for you to cause damage elsewhere with the lifting.
This my first post and my first time reading “mayo connect.” I hope my response is helpful and appropriate! I imagine there are rules and tips I should peruse! Happy healing!