Should I consider Spinal fusion of C1-C6?

Hello everyone, I have had cervical surgery laminectomy fusion from level C3-T3 in 2003 and L4-S1 in 2021 and I have been fairly doing well until recently that I started having pain in one side of my neck. I had MRI and CT Scan done which revealed herniation at C2-C3. I am begining to be afraid that of another surgery is suggested it would be between C1-C3 fusing all of my cervical spine. I am hoping for this not to be the case. Could anyone apprise me of what complication may be likely involved in the problem and what option do I have.

Please advise.

Welcome to MayoConnect. I found many useful comments on the site and I often asked questions to hear other perspectives.

That's a lot of surgeries and fusions - I can understand your concern to avoid a full fusion if possible. You didn't say - have your spine issues been from an accident or genetic? As you are well aware, genetically driven spinal degradation won't repair itself. I had a C4-7 ACDF and L2-5 decompression and fusion. I didn't make the surgery decision based just on my pain levels - I became increasingly concerned that permanent nerve damage from spinal compression could force me to a wheelchair or some such if I waited too long. While the struggles of surgery have been significant - I'm still glad I made those decisions.

What sort of doctor are you consulting with?

Damages to my spine was as a result of automobile accident that happened when a trailer broadsided my car in 1987 in which I was rendered unconscious for days.

I am currently seeing a neurosurgeon and I am waiting to hear what his advise would be.

What I am trying to avoid is having to have my entire neck fused and not able to move my head at all to depend on others to do things for me. I am a strong active 70 years old and I am afraid of more surgery that might be not to my benefit

Any advise will really help.

My spinal issues were genetic but the decision process is similar in either case.

Basically - you are faced with a personal risk management decision. And you have to make that decision with imperfect and incomplete data. It is a difficult decision and I counsel getting multiple opinions from the best facilities with the best equipment for diagnostic work. I also talked to a variety of doctors and even consulted with a non-medical research scientist because I wanted to be comfortable I was thinking through all my options, clearly.

Ultimately, for me, the risks of surgery became more tolerable than the risks of deferred surgery. Only you - armed with lots of information and qualified medical opinions - can make the call.

@faithgirl30
faithgirl
Mine is due to DDD and arthritis subsequent to an old fusion.

Chronic years of pain relief.

@soft1922 My advise is to see an orthopedic surgeon and get THEIR opinion! I had a neurosurgeon who became the head of neurosurgery at a fancy hospital and he was a bum. Thank goodness he said there was nothing he could do for me and switched me to the ortho dept. where the spine surgeon recommended surgery in less than 30 seconds looking at an xray. He is my prince. I've had 3 more with him. He is still my prince. Neck surgery is not easy if they have to put a rod in with larger screws and fuse you from C2 to T1 IF you are round shouldered like I am. If they could have stopped with the frontal surgery fusion c3 - c7 I would have been AMAZING!!! after having an auto accident at 7 which ruined me for 60 years. but the screws didn't hold (my bones were soft) so they had to do a more extensive surgery around the back with a rod. I am very active and it did slow me down but it also 1) gave me my life back (I couln't make the bed before surgery) and could no longer do artwork without massive pain. Now I can do both again! I absolutely recommend you get more opinions from DOCTORS. Some will need to determine if you will participate in your own rehab. It is an important part of recovery with cervical surgeries.

I had C3-T1 PCDF Nov. 4, 2025. to eliminate weakness in my R. hand. Upon waking from Anesthesia both hands were numb. I could not raise my R. hand or grasp anything with the R. hand. Numbness below the nipple line. I was in NICU for 4 days, In-patient rehab for 4 weeks. Since July of 2026 I've been able to tie my shoes, zip my fly, brush my teeth, and fasten my belt (suspenders are my friend). I have had 8 months of PT/OT. I was able to start driving by May 2026. The Cautionary tale here is if you can't feel your feet you can't drive!! I have had (3) Cervical MRIs with Contrast, 3 Cervical MRIs w/o contrast, (2) Head MRIs with contrast, (2) w/o contrast, (1) Thoracic MRI, (1) Lumbar/Sacral MRI. I have had (2) cervical Myelograms, (2) Cervical CAT scans w/contrast. (4) EMGs with mapping. Bottom line based on the other(3) Surgeons I've seen said "it takes time". OBTW, I chose the Top Rated Surgeon in Indianapolis... My opinion is do the very minimum srgery to get by. I ad ZERO pain prior to surgery and full ROM. You're looking at C1-C6, so Axis and Atlas willvbe fixed. CAVEAT EMPTOR.