Normal symptoms 4wks after C5-C6 fusion?

@tk14
I had ACDF on C5-C6 in 2022 and C6-C7 in 2025.

What were your symptoms prior to surgery and what were you told about reducing symptoms with surgery? Did you have ACDF procedure or did they need to go through the back of the neck?

Did you have an EMG/nerve conduction study of upper limbs before surgery? This is usually done to check/confirm spinal nerve root compression causing radiculopathy symptoms. A neurologist typically does this.

If you haven’t already asked your surgeon, you may want to ask to have an updated MRI to check soft tissues post surgery. An X-ray or ct scan won’t show soft tissue inflammation or injury. You may have new compression of a nerve/blood vessel, especially when moving your neck in certain positions. Have you slept on your neck in a way that is causing your symptoms or twisted your head/neck in a way that affected your fusion? Have you been wearing a neck brace post surgery and do you have hardware in your neck? Do any of the medications you are taking have side effects that line up with yours? You may want to review all medications you are taking and your symptoms with your pharmacist to see if there are any interactions and recommended changes they could make to your doctor(s).

@tk14
I meant to also ask where you are feeling the weakness and burning/tingling? Is it primarily in your arms/hands/fingers or do you also have some in lower limbs?

Do you recall what was shown in your pre surgery MRI at C5-C6? Did you have spinal cord compression/flattening? Did you have disc herniation/bulge and/or osteophytes/bone spurs pressing on spinal nerve roots?

Before my first surgery on C5-C6, I had daily headaches, tinnitus, neck/shoulder pain, arms/hand/finger weakness, numbness, and tingling, bladder control issues, dizziness/balance issues and heaviness in legs/difficulty walking fast (when I used to be a fast walker compared to others). After surgery, my symptoms improved but I have some residual spinal cord injury in shoulders/arms, etc. due to delayed diagnosis and decompression (took my 4th surgeon to recognize I had cervical degenerative myelopathy at 52 after being misdiagnosed for 5 years).

Depending on the type of compression and length of time you had it, you may be experiencing symptoms due to having spinal cord/nerve roots/blood vessels being decompressed and now trying to heal. Nerves can take a long time to heal and some can have permanent damage (especially if spinal cord).

@tk14
Here is what I also learned online about dizziness, weakness, burning/tingling in muscles after cervical decompression surgery:

Experiencing dizziness, weakness, and burning or tingling sensations in the muscles after cervical decompression surgery can occur, but it's important to understand the context and potential causes.

These symptoms may arise due to several factors:

Nerve Irritation or Damage: During surgery, nerves can be irritated or affected, leading to sensations like tingling or burning.

Postoperative Swelling: Swelling in the surgical area can put pressure on nearby nerves, causing dizziness and muscle sensations.

Changes in Blood Flow: Surgery can affect blood flow, potentially leading to dizziness or weakness.

Medication Side Effects: Pain medications or anesthesia used during surgery may have side effects that include dizziness or muscle sensations.

Physical Therapy: If you are undergoing physical therapy post-surgery, certain exercises might temporarily cause these sensations as your body adjusts.

Underlying Conditions: If you had pre-existing conditions affecting your cervical spine or nervous system, these might contribute to your symptoms.

It's crucial to discuss these symptoms with your healthcare provider, as they can assess your specific situation, rule out complications, and provide appropriate guidance or treatment.

I did have an EMG nerve study beforehand through a neurologist, which only showed carpal tunnel. I had an ACDF procedure. My symptoms before surgery were weakness, fatigue, burning, tingling, and occasionally, I felt like my left arm or leg didn’t want to listen. I didn’t have pain except on the left side of my chest (cardiologist ruled out heart). None of the doctors I visited provided any instructions on managing symptoms beforehand. They saw the stenosis, and surgery seemed to be the only option.
I have been very careful not to twist my head/neck, and I do wear my hard neck brace unless I'm eating or sleeping.
I did take my very first cymbalta the day before my symptoms got really bad. I only took the one and haven't taken one since. I was afraid it was the culprit, but unfortunately, my symptoms aren't improving.
My surgeons team has not provided much assistance post surgery but I differenlty ask about the MRI.

@tk14
I just looked up information tied to CSF leaks for someone else and some of the symptoms seem similar to yours. You may want to go to the ER if your surgeon suggests this to have a MRI of brain/cervical spine to check for CSF leak(s).

Here is the information I found:

Signs of a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak following spine surgery can vary, but some common symptoms to watch for include:
Common Signs and Symptoms

Clear Fluid Drainage: Leakage of clear or slightly pink fluid from the surgical incision or nose.
Headache: A severe headache, often described as a "thunderclap" headache, which may worsen when sitting or standing and improve when lying down.
Nausea and Vomiting: These symptoms can accompany headaches.
Neck Stiffness: Difficulty in moving the neck or stiffness may occur.
Changes in Vision: Blurred or double vision can be a sign of increased intracranial pressure.
Hearing Changes: Some may experience ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or other auditory changes.
Dizziness or Balance Issues: Feeling lightheaded or having trouble with balance can occur.
Additional Considerations

Fever: A fever may indicate an infection, which can be a complication of a CSF leak.
Neurological Symptoms: Any new weakness, numbness, or changes in sensation should be reported immediately.
If any of these symptoms are present after spine surgery, it is essential to contact a healthcare provider promptly for evaluation and management. Early intervention can help prevent complications associated with CSF leaks.

Yes, weakness and burning/tingling were primarily in your arms and legs. The spinal cord compression was not quite flattened, although it was bad enough that the neurolist said if I get worse before surgery, I should go to the ER and have the surgery right away.
Wow, I'm sorry you've had to go through so much at your age. I'm 56, so I understand the frustration of being willing to do some things but limited in what you can do.
How do they finally determine that you had cervical degenerative myelopathy?
Thanks for your help

@tk14
If you were prescribed Cymbalta (duloxetine), that is for nerve pain, depression (due to chronic pain), osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia patients. I haven’t taken it in the past. You are supposed to take it daily on a regular schedule and it takes 2-4+ weeks to feel the full effects/benefits. It is not a medication you take just as needed.

@tk14
Correction, I have taken Cymbalta/duloxetine in the past, and have experience with the medication. (Sorry, I am on my phone and I have fat fingers and autocorrect has a mind of its own 😉).

@tk14
I am also 56! Small world. 🙂

Cervical degenerative myelopathy is spinal cord compression/flattening that injures your spinal cord and causes neurological symptoms. I think they classified mine as myelopathy when it got so bad, it affected my walking and bladder control. I also had changes in my handwriting (got sloppy and I am a usually a neat writer) plus kept dropping things.

Sorry you’re going through all that. I will be asking for a post op MRI. Thanks again