C5-c6 degenerate

The surgeons cut away the anterior portion of my c4 and C5 vertebrae and remove them. They use that to clean out the annular space between my vertebrae and my spinal cord. They then fused me from C2 through t3. It helped with the pain. But it is very depressing living like this.

There are a lot of degenerative bone diseases, zaa. Best to have a dexa and see what your other bones are doing.

Im just doing PT and Osteo right now. No osteoporosis.

I'm not quite sure what kind of exercises can help you after having neck surgery. I've had 2 fusion procedures done on my neck, at the C5-C6 level, and 1 1/2 years later at the C7-T1 level. I don't recall PT even being offered to me afterwards. This was in 2016 and 2017.

I have moderate to severe degeneration from C3-C7. My physio is amazing - I was in hell pain wise until he started treating me as I also had a frozen shoulder at the same time my neck pain flared up. Hydrotherapy has also been very helpful in strengthening the muscles in my neck. Sitting at the computer makes my neck pain worse, so I have to limit that activity. I've had to modify how I do things, especially craft work. A good physio is worth their weight in gold. I do not have any plans for neck surgery.

@mtmred12 I’m sorry to hear this. Is it because of lingering pain or limitation?. I was just fused from the C3 down to C7., It’s only been a little over a week. I’m doing OK with the recovery. My problem is torn rotators which are hampering my recovery.. Know you probably went through all the muscle adjustments through the shoulders and scapular like I am. How do you think you’re doing now?

@leigh17 Yes I had the same issue with torn rotator cuff on my right shoulder. I also had my left shoulder rotator cuff repaired many years ago. I have severe numbness in my back and scapula area. I also feel no hot and cold on my left side. Exactly straight down the center of my body I can put ice on my left side and not feel it. But if I move it past the center point I feel it on my right side. It's crazy. I had my surgery done in 2014. I had to learn how to walk and do almost everything over again. My recovery time was very long. And I guess I can say I'm still in recovery. But I am walking and talking. :-). I hope you're recovery goes well. It takes time but it will get better.

@julierb I interested in how you modified for your crafts. I l9ve to do puzzles and crochet but have c5-c6 neck pain. PT hasn't given my any suggestions for modifying my activities...they say just don't do the things that make you stiff/hurt!!

@mtmred12 wow, you really went through a lot. I’m glad you came out of the other side of it doing OK other than the symptoms that you described. Did they do any nerve conduction studies? One of the surgeons that I met with, wanted to do the same exact fusion that you had. Thank you for responding to my message.

@leigh17
That was the bad part that I did not like about the Florida's spine institute. Once the surgery was completed they pretty much let me on my own. A chiropractor that I visited for other issues told me that they were supposed to be keeping in touch with me and visiting monthly. These doctors did not do anything for me as a follow-up. The surgeon himself was fantastic. He was sent by the Lord himself and has provided me with relief from the unbearable excruciating pain that I experienced prior to the surgery. Check with your surgeon to see what their follow up schedule is going to be like for you. It took me quite a while until I could walk on my own again. It was a very long recovery period. I do not even remember how long it was. That is all behind me now. Best of luck to you. May God bless you and keep you safe.