Neck and shoulder pain after fusion surgery-techniques for reducing?

June 2020 I had a cervical fusion done, C3 thru C7. Today Dec. 27, 2022 I have extreme stiffness and neck discomfort. I usually place a neck cushion type brace on neck within 10 after getting out of bed. I’ve been thru Physical Therapy with little help. I’ve gone back to original Neurosurgeon to discuss the issue, had two more MRI, 2 CT scan and several X Rays. Nothing shows that there is a problem, Surgeon says it might take 2 years for a complete recovery.
I have gone to a different Neurosurgeon with the same diagnosis.
I use a tens unit for some relief, neck collar gives me the most relief. Both the Doctors and Physical Therapist have told me NOT to use collar but it gives me some relief. I searching for a medical group that will give me some answers as I’ve lost all confidence in the Doctors I now have. Forgot to mention that I’ve had pain management with 8 injections which have not helped.

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You took every word out of my mouth. Only that my fusion was from C2-T2 and it's only been just over a year. Your surgery was over 2 years ago and you're still going through the pain. This gives me no hope. I've done everything you mentioned including Acupuncture, trigger point injections, Botox injections, PT, chiropractor, even massage therapy. Nothing's helping. I also went to a different neurosurgeon for a second opinion, and received the same response you did. I was fused slightly forward, so I'm hunched and it's hard to stand up straight. This brings me so pain all day long because I'm fighting against gravity all day.

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@garygg Hello and welcome to Connect. Often muscle spasms are part of having cervical spine issues and common after surgery. I am a cervical spine surgery patient, and still have some stiffness. I had C5/C6 fused. I also have thoracic outlet syndrome that contributes to some of that. The muscles of the shoulder blades connect to the spine and can cause pain in there are spasms. I have used a heated neck wrap and done a lot of physical therapy called myofascial release which helps with the tightness and in releasing the tight surgical scar tissue. Here is our discussion on 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 or tried Myofascial Release Therapy? Have your tried post operative physcoial therapy?

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You took every word out of my mouth. Only that my fusion was from C2-T2 and it's only been just over a year. Your surgery was over 2 years ago and you're still going through the pain. This gives me no hope. I've done everything you mentioned including Acupuncture, trigger point injections, Botox injections, PT, chiropractor, even massage therapy. Nothing's helping. I also went to a different neurosurgeon for a second opinion, and received the same response you did. I was fused slightly forward, so I'm hunched and it's hard to stand up straight. This brings me so pain all day long because I'm fighting against gravity all day.

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Someone please tell me there’s light on the other side!!
I had a c6/7 fusion 5 months ago, the burning pain, stiffness and soreness is worse than before surgery, I’m now experiencing right sided facial numbness, severe migraines and a buzzing burning pain down my right leg. I have been at pt or hydrotherapy twice weekly for the last 14 months, with the exception of 6 weeks post surgery.
My new mri and ct scans indicate satisfactory fusion with minor disc bulge of the 5/6 which surgeon says isn’t a problem. My EMG results are also normal even though I have pains in dermatomes c5/6 and c6/7.
I recently sort a second opinion from another neurosurgeon who suggested a cat/spect bone scan, which showed no uptake.
I see a pain specialist tomorrow for the first time and just sort of wondering what’s next and is there anything I’ve missed.

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Sending strength. I can only say my only thing for relief is Osteo and avoid car trips. Take care

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Yes, I had a Fusion of C-3 to C-6 with 2 Rods and 6 Screws. Had to get Revision Surgery 3 months later as 2 Screws became loose.
I'm now 1 Year and 1 Month after 2nd Surgery and still having considerable pain.
I'm currently scheduled for Cortisone Injections in May.
If they don't work, I'll be going for Radio Frequency Ablation, where they Kill the Nerve.
I've been on the Pain Clinic for months and it doesn't help, but don't want to get any stronger Narcotic.
Currently on Tramadol, was on Dilaudid.
Did the P.T. for 3 months twice and it didn't help.

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@jp4355 Hello. I wanted to welcome you to Connect. I'm sorry you have had pain since your surgeries. I am cervical spine surgery patient. What has helped me a lot with maintaining range of motion and function and helping with pain is doing myofascial release with my physical therapist.

Surgery creates scar tissue, and most everyone has some facial tissue restrictions and that may be helped with releasing the tight fascia. Surgical scars can link into a tight fascia body wide pattern. I did MFR work before my spine surgery and afterward and it has helped me a lot. Here is our discussion if you wanted to learn more about it. There is a provider search at http://mfrtherapists.com/

This is kind of like massage, but the therapist holds the tension and waits for the tissue to relax. You wouldn't need to change anything else you are doing for pain management as this is just a form of physical therapy, but it doesn't make you work on strengthening muscles.

Neuropathy - "Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) for treating compression and pain"
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myofascial-release-therapy-mfr-for-treating-compression-and-pain/

Jennifer

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