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Swelling, stiffness post-posterior cervical decompression & fusion

Posted by wsmd @wsmd, Jul 10, 2023

Hello
I have made posterior cervical fusion for C4 ,C5,C6,C7,T1,T2 on 20 June 2023 , the purpose of surgery was to fix a problem called cervical cage subsidence happened after ACDF
Since 20 June I got about 20% enhancement on the post surgery swelling and stiffness and sharp pain, the 1st X ray after the surgery show excellent result as the surgery correct the curve from kyphosis straight
I need your help to know how long it take for these post symptoms to subside after such major surgery
Thanks

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wsmd | @wsmd | Aug 23, 2023
In reply to @jenniferhunter "@wsmd I'm glad to hear of your improvement. I know those muscle spasms can be pretty..." + (show)
Profile picture for Jennifer, Volunteer Mentor @jenniferhunter

@wsmd I'm glad to hear of your improvement. I know those muscle spasms can be pretty tough after surgery. Does a heat wrap help? You may want to ask your surgeon if you can take magnesium to help the muscles relax. It might not make a huge improvement because you are recovering from a big trauma from surgery. It is a slow journey to recovery. I remember by 3 months I could forget I had surgery although my neck was weak from the neck brace. Hang in there!

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https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/917174/

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erdocsmom | @erdocsmom | Jan 1 10:43pm
In reply to @wsmd "I have uploaded lat x ray I took yesterday as well as the image of muse..." + (show)
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I have uploaded lat x ray I took yesterday as well as the image of muse and incision, the blood test done by Dr didnt show any infection . I want to add that while moving my neck I hear squeaking and noise in the last two days.

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@wsmd I am about to have this surgery and I am wondering how you are doing now?

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davidh71 | @davidh71 | Jun 25 9:39am

71yo male experienced weakening in RH (dominant hand) and zero pain prior to surgery. Was advised by (3) Surgeons that a C3-T2 PCDF was indicated. On 11/4/25 had a C3-T2 PCDF. While in recovery i needed to scratch my nose. When I attempted my R.. hand was a "rock on a string" it fell on my nose and broke the nose. I leaned both hands were useless (paresthesia an ataxia) The next 4 day in NICU followed by 3 weeks in inpatient rehab. At this point in time I can slowly type. I can not write, tie shoes, use a Knife an Fork. All drinks must be in cups with handles. The LH shows paresthesia but, the proprioception in the LH is gone. The RH still has a proprioception issue as well as ataxia. I am numb below my waist, however, no problems with urinary or fecal incontinence. I do have feeling in my feet on some days so it's "iffy" driving. PT/OT 2x/week since 12/1/25. Does this mirror anyone else's experience post C3-T2 PCDF? Two surgeons have stated it takes time but no statement as to duration. Thank you for your time

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