Cervical Neck Instability

Unfortunately, that sounds like a PFT or Lung diffusion test. That isn't the same as an MRI.

Just wanted to introduce myself since I’m a new member. Definitely not a new member of Chronic pain. I’ve had a ACDF of C-5 through C-7 with a long fusion time following an injury Sept 2014, 2 blown out knees which my orthopedic surgeon won’t touch yet. Last cervical CT was 2 days ago which now shows severe degeneration of the Atlantoaxial joint with all the symptoms that go along with it. Initial injury took my career away which I loved. Now just taking it day by day.

@dabbs Welcome to Connect. I am a spine patient too with a fusion of C5/C6. You may be interested in these discussions where you can connect with other members talking about C1/C2 instability.

I know that injuries can change lives in an instant. What was the career that you loved? Are you having more symptoms now and then had new imaging? Will you be seeing a specialist about the changes in your condition?

Jennifer

Thank You Jennifer, I was a Lt/FF/ Paramedic with a large Fire Dept here in Florida. 14 years in ER 7P-7A shift then 18 years with the FD when I was injured. I’m fairly certain my Pvt MD will refer me out on this one. Definitely having symptoms both old and new ones that are worse. I honestly thought my hardware had broken. With C-1 and C-2 the nerves that exit from there can be devastating. Even with them fusing them, you lose the vast m

Majority of turning your neck when they do…….David

@dabbs Yes David, thanks for your update. I know you understand that C1 & C2 do most of the work for head turning with a bit of help from C3 & C4. Instability at C1 & C2 can be very serious indeed and you probably have some tough choices ahead of you. No doubt you have helped a lot of injured patients with similar issues over the years working as a paramedic. Bless you for that, and being there to help with your expertise. Since you are in Florida, you could consider Mayo Jacksonville for an opinion. I had my spine surgery at Mayo Rochester which is excellent. It was a 5 hour drive for me, but so worth it. Many patients fly there for surgery and they have a lot of spine surgeons with sub specialties. You need an expert for the C1/C2 levels as many spine surgeons don't want to operate there or above C3.

I have had only one ride in an ambulance after seriously breaking my ankle on a horse back riding trip. It was pretty rural and the paramedic didn't have any uniform on. He was pretty casual, but they got me to a hospital with an orthopedic surgeon who put an external cage on my ankle, and then I came to Mayo for fixation surgery. It is nice to have someone looking after you in that situation when you need help and can't help yourself. Being far from home, I also didn't know where the best local hospital was for what I needed at the time or how to get there.

Hello @dabbs. I'd like to add my welcome along with @jenniferhunter who has graciously joined you already to share and provide you with some support.

You will notice that I have moved your post into an existing discussion on the same topic which you both can find here:
- Cervical Neck Instability: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/cervical-neck-instability/

I did this so you can continue connecting with Jennifer and also in the event you would like to read others' comments. If so, just hit the View and Reply button in this notification!

Thank you for the welcome ! Unfortunately I do know the risk of C1 through C3. Following my C-5 through C-7 fusion ( which took forever to fuse I might add ) yes my life dramatically changed. It took awhile for the acceptance stage to kick in. Yes my initial symptoms remained as well as bonus pain areas following that surgery of 2014. ( first time I’ve been a patient lol ) I can’t count the number of X-rays, MRIs, CTs, EMGs, and the 1 mylogram I had. Or the many PT sessions. The latest CT was just a week ago which showed the C1-C2 issue which had never been on any radiologist report before. I will say the new symptoms began around the first of the year yet I never told my Pvt MD because he would think that either I was a nut or a train wreck lol. Only when the pain became so severe did I ask him could he order the CT with contrast. So I know he’ll refer me out. Until then I’ll just take it a bit easier and do the best I can. Thank you again for the warm reply….David