Post-Cervical Fusion Issues

@dzottola
Do you have a family/friend support system? Did you have an accident that caused your initial spinal cord injury at c4-c5? Do you know why the initial fusion failed?

I have had 2 cervical (c5-c6 in 2022 and c6-c7 in 2025) and 1 lumbar spine (l3-l5) surgeries and have some spinal cord compression injury due to delayed diagnosis/treatment. This is called degenerative cervical myelopathy. I have many of your symptoms and a mid 50s female. My spine issues started in my early 40s and I have a narrow spinal canal congenitally which makes all degeneration cause me issues.

You may want to get new doctors who do not dismiss your symptoms caused by spinal cord compression injury which in many cases can be permanent. If they had what they had, they would not want to be told “just deal with it.”

Here is what AI said about your c3-c4 and c6-c7 levels and MRI results from 9 months ago.

The findings you've described indicate issues with the cervical spine, specifically at the C3-4 and C6-7 levels.

C3-4 Central Disc Protrusion
A central disc protrusion at the C3-4 level means that the intervertebral disc is bulging outwards towards the center of the spinal canal. This protrusion is effacing the thecal sac and the spinal cord, which suggests that the bulging disc is pressing against these structures. The thecal sac contains cerebrospinal fluid and surrounds the spinal cord, so any pressure here can potentially lead to symptoms such as pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms or neck.

C6-7 Mild Central Disc Protrusion
At the C6-7 level, there is a mild central disc protrusion that is indenting the thecal sac but not the spinal cord. This indicates that while there is some bulging of the disc, it is not severe enough to compress the spinal cord itself. The indentation of the thecal sac may still cause discomfort or neurological symptoms, but the absence of cord compression is a positive sign.

Implications
Symptoms: Depending on the severity of the protrusions, symptoms can vary widely. Some individuals may experience no symptoms, while others may have pain, tingling, or weakness.
Management: Treatment options may include physical therapy, pain management, or, in more severe cases, surgical intervention. It's essential to consult with a healthcare provider for a tailored approach based on symptoms and overall health.

@dzottola
Keep in mind that MRI of cervical spine is static. It does not capture functional movement and how it compresses your spinal cord with certain movements/positions of your neck. Certain movements and positions may cause more symptoms than others. Adjacent segment issues are common with cervical spine fusions and hardware. It sounds like that is what you have. After fusion surgery, my experience is that doctors/PT doesn't always help patients know they need to relearn how to do certain movements/functions and sleep/lift differently to reduce future issues. I am having some issues following my ACDF c6-c7 surgery in June 2025 and it started with lifting something and sleeping in a certain position and now have pain when I lifted my head off the pillow to move (was in my stomach and got a weird movement of spine/vertebrae and felt like the fusion of c5-c7 shifted and pinched or injured nerves or my spinal cord because I now have pain that has lasted more than a month).

@dzottola
You are not alone. Depression due to chronic pain and loss of function and quality of life is to be expected and you are so young. My hope is you have a support system and are getting therapy from someone who specializes in mental health tied to chronic pain/illness that affects quality of life.

@dlydailyhope
Thanks for responding! Yes I have a great family support system that fully understands what im going through. Yes my initial spinal cord injury was from a work injury. Not sure why my initial fusion failed. My next MRI is next saturday and I will update you on the results. I agree with you that I am having adjacent level problems due to C3-4 and 6-7 having issues now. I am seeing a new neurosurgeon in november so hopefully they will be able to help more than the last ones! And that is great advice about the therapist who specializes in mental health and chronic pain, I will be looking into that! Thanks again!!

DAMN, that is a lot to deal with at such a young age. I've had 2 fusion procedures done on my neck, at the C5-C6 level, and then 1 1/2 years later at the C7-T1 level. They were performed by 2 different neurosurgeons at 2 different hospitals due to my first doctor's retirement. They were done when I was in my mid to late 50's, and I'm 66 now. What you're going through after having surgery on your neck and your doctor's responses to your pain is completely unacceptable IMO. I wouldn't let that surgeon touch me again if I were you.
Did they use a piece of your own bone during the procedure, or was it from a donor cadaver? Both of mine were done with a donor section of bone, and my recovery was basically "normal", whatever normal is. Since you're only in your 30's, I would've assumed you'd have the same kind of results. Like someone asked earlier, why did the fusions fail in the first place? I'd ask for a copy of your new MRI and take it to another neurosurgeon. Having a doctor basically tell you to"deal with" the results of his surgical performance is unprofessional. My neurologist told me the same thing after seeing him several times over the course of 3 years of tests, with nothing to show what the root cause of the neuropathy in my feet was. But there's a huge difference between a neurosurgeon and a neurologist.
Neuropathy can't be cured, only treated, but spinal problems like ours can be if it's done soon enough and properly. I would definitely get another opinion.

@mrmacabre
Thanks for your reply! They did use cadaver bones for all my fusions. I am not sure as to why the first fusion failed, but thats why they had to do the posterior fusion and laminectomy. C4-5 is stable now. And 5-6 fusion happened due to my continued degenerative disc disease which is what im now dealing with at c3-4 and 6-7. As to your neurosurgeon point, I completely agree with you which is why im having another MRI done next week and seeing a new neurosurgeon in november. Hopefully that one goes well!

They didn’t use spacers? I’m a cervical sufferer among other things. I’ve had 3
Neck surgeries and fused from c3-t1. Only two more discs left in my neck and they aren’t looking too good.
But no more surgery for me.

Has anyone ever tested you for fibromyalgia or an autoimmune disorder?

I had a C5C6 fusion followed by nonunion (failed surgery) that led to C5-T1 fusion and laminectomy. I vomit often due to gastroparesis. Keeping my bowels regular helps most of the time. I have tried many things and have settled on Colace (docusate) 3 x day and miralax daily. Also, remember, ‘foods that start with a P make you poop’, pinapapple, pears, etc. From what I have learned that gastroparesis is generally due to a neurogenic bowel , parastalsis is blunted, everything backs up and your stomach can’t empty.

Keep in mind that a gastric emptying test is like a snapshot when you really need a video. So a positive test means gastroparesis but a negative test doesn’t conclusively rule it out. I had to have 3 tests before one was positive.

I also have severe neck pain though mine didn’t start until 5 years after the surgery. I have a soaking tub I use with epson salts daily. You can also try alternating heat and ice, gentle massage, and resting your neck a few times a day by lying down. What really helps me is the combination of baclofen and Botox treatments.

Also tried regular PT which was generally useless. Now I go to a dedicated spinal cord PT. I have to drive an hour each way, but it’s worth it.

I used to use a tens machine, you could ask about that.

Also, until u get your balance and walking better (it really does sound as though you have ongoing spinal cord issues), go through your home to eliminate any fall risks. Area rugs, poor lighting, cords you could trip over, etc

@alywalgia
Hello,
No they didnt use any kind of spacers, just fusions. And no I have not been tested for fibromyalgia or autoimmune disorders. Interesting question, ive never even thought about that.

@laura1970
Hello, thanks for your comment! Thanks for the advice about gastroparesis. Ill keep that in mind for my upcoming gastric emptying test. And yes I definitely have ongoing cervical spine issues as shown in my last mri, but will know more next week after I get a new mri. Will keep everyone updated on those results. Unfortunately i have tried heat/ice, physical therapy, baclofen and other strong pain and muscle relaxer meds, massages, and tens units and none of that even touches the pain. Dont notice any relief. Also had multiple pain management doctors with injections. Nothing helps at this point. Im hoping my new neurosurgeon can give me some results. If not the endless search for a reliable doctor will continue…