Spinal Fusion

I am 59 years old and have spinal compressions in C5-6 and C6-7. I currently have occasional numbness in left forearm and pointer finger but I’m not in pain. I am active and worried about loss of mobility with a fusion. Is replacement an option I should consider.

Thank You, will consider!

@dhornsby1 Welcome to Connect. Fusion at C5/C6 does not affect neck movement a lot. Head turning is done mostly by C1 & C2 with help from C3 & C4. Perhaps a minuscule amount from C5. It will affect forward bending a little bit. I am fused at C5/C6 and my neck motion with head turning is the same as before surgery. I can't touch my chin to my chest anymore, but it is fairly close. I'm not sure if fusion at C6/C7 would affect being able to twist your shoulder forward or back. That might be a question to ask a surgeon or physical therapist. One thing that also helps movement is to stretch out stiff surgical scar tissue or knots in neck muscles. I have worked with a physical therapist doing myofascial release for this. I don't want any neck spasms to put extra strain on my remaining cervical disks. I think if I can minimize extra stress, it may prevent the need for future surgery. Also per my surgeon, the best way to avoid spine surgery is maintain core strength. It all supports the cervical spine from below. The best time to decompress the spinal cord is before permanent damage occurs. That's also something to ask about. A surgeon can't tell you exactly when you would pass that point, but they can show you the imaging and explain it.

There are surgeons who do both artificial disks and fusion. I could have had either, but chose fusion as I could do that with only a bone disc spacer and no hardware for only one level. It turns out, my body doesn't like foreign materials.

Have you had several opinions from spine specialists?

Thank you for the insights. I have only have only seen one surgeon so far. I’ve asked for a referral to Mayo this evening to get a second set of viewpoints.

I've had a fusion involving C3-6. I has minimally affected my mobility, primarily my range of motion turning my neck is affected, but not too much. It has been far more successful than the most recent lumbar fusion.

Thank you for the information.

Hello - I have a 3 level fusion ACDF C4-C7. No loss of mobility, range of motion etc. I had the procedure 2 years ago when I was 63/F. I also chose a highly skilled Neurosurgeon as I had severe foraminal stenosis with bilateral pinched nerves in my C5/C6

I have similar problems like you. Have numbness in hand and fingers, worried it won't go away. Right hand is numb due to arthritis on that side. Both hands are numb, can't hardly use them Scared, any suggestions? Thank you.

Have similiar problems like you but have numbness in hands and fingers, both. Scared to death it won't go away. Any suggestions?

My heart goes out to you. It is a very big decision. I dealt with it for 2 years before having surgery. Have you tried all conservative options such as injections, physical therapy etc.? I did all that including mesenchymal cell & PRP injections. Close to 2 years of physical therapy etc. I did not have any numbness or shooting arm pain. Horrible compression with neck and shoulder pain. Was unable to sleep, retired early, etc. Have you had an MRI? That tells the story of how serious the situation is. My spinal cord signal was normal, however I had signs of spinal cord effacement. The procedure was about an hour longer than expected; the Surgeon explained the bone spurs were extensive and compared it to chards of glass rubbing against the nerves. Fortunately I had no nerve damage. Recovery has been a process. I’m still in physical therapy and see a Rheumatologist for osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease symptoms. The fusion was successful & I don’t regret it. I’m still dealing with muscle tightness and pain related to the realignment and alteration to my spine. My episode began during the height of the pandemic when medical care was unavailable in my area due to the shutdown. If you’ve tried everything; I would consider meeting with a highly recommended Neurosurgeon and see what your options are. Sorry for the long reply, sending you the best of thoughts