Cervical Posterior fusion from C-3 thru C-7,

I had an anterior discectomy and fusion C4-7 a bit over a year ago. I think the only difference is front vs. back approach?

You didn't say when you had your fusion? It would help me understand your pain question. Thanks.

I had cervical surgery on c5 and c6 and had 2 rods and 7 screws on either side of them some neck pain from daily activities during my walks with my walker.

Posterior fusion was done in january of 2021 my surgeon placed the screws at c3-c4 into the facet joints and it didn't fuse there.I had a metal cage placed at c-3, c-4. Anteriorly with screws placed obliquely in March of 2022 with a different surgeon it helped with the pain as it fused at c-3,c-4,The only thing that helps me with neck pain is strong nsaids and muscle relaxers.

That helps. Thanks. I find that NSAIDs help and I take one or two every day and have for years - well before surgery. NSAIDs can suppress liver function and my PCP kept a close eye on that. I never had any issues.

You're fortunate the MRs help as well.

I find my cervical discomfort is worse first thing in the morning (maybe a different pillow is needed?) while motion and NSAIDs release the pain as the morning progresses.

What works for you? If you have a process that's effective for you, that's a plus.

My first surgery on my neck was the same as yours in 2016 an anterior fusion C4-7, C4-5 fused completely C5-6 And C6-7 didn't fuse completely That's why I had the Posterior fusion.During the posterior fusion I had a Laminectomy done at C3-4 to relieve severe stenosis at that level.Thanks for responding.Trying to attach photo of last x-ray not sure if it comes out.If it does come out where you can see the photo you can see the three separate operations

I had C5-6 fusion in 2005 and C3-4 18 months later. No PT. January 2023 I had C5-7 with 3-4 hardware removal.

Ask for PT. I did and work at a computer all day. Only have flares when I forget to move around a bit.

I had 3 anterior surgeries over 20 years and have hardware from C3 to Tl. BoneS did not fuse at c4-5 or at c7-T1. Doctor said the posterior way is the only way to approach now but said the recovery is pretty rough and recommends waiting until symptoms worsen. Not bad really, I've had a lot worse, usually just moderate arm,shoulder and neck pain. I've taken hydrocodone 10mg 3 to 4 time a day for the last 3 years since my last surgery. Gabapentin helps but I take only when really hurting as I can't think clearly when on it. ( But a lot of people do well on it). I take a lot of tylenol. Too much Nsaids make my tinnitus a lot worse. I am a 57 yo male.

Well, @celtic, you've got quite a hardware collection there...I went back and read your original post and I wonder if you've learned anything? NSAIDs or Tylenol type drugs plus MR when needed?

Has PT helped? Changing pillows? Gentle neck movement to relieve pain and tightness?

PT has never helped Dry needling has helped some.The one thing that helped the most is 75 mg of diclofenac twice a day and 5 mg of Flexeril at night.My primary care Doctor has recommended 100 to 200 mg of Gabapentin taken at night.I tried 100 mg and it didn't help.I am at the point that I will try the 200 mg and see if that helps.I have heard on this site that Gabapentin has helped some people.At my age I will take what helps me as I am 80 years old and don't have that much time left.

Thanks for the reply it seems that all your surgery was done anteriorly and the fact that your doctor removed the hardware at C 3-4 is great when he or she did C6-7.I have tried PT and it hasn't helped me.It could be because I have hardware in both the front and back of my neck from C3 to C7.