How Many People have repeat Cevical Fusions?

[JMRIZZ]

I am 38 years old and I am now about 7 months post op from a three level fusion (C5-6, C6-7, C7-T1) and I have experienced repeat pain in my neck and headaches.  I have been treated with Anti-inflammatory meds and physical therapy with traction.  The meds did nothing for the pain and everything the PT department did, made things worse.  My neurosurgeon was hoping that I would get better with these options because he said it would be bad if I had problems with the above levels at this point.  What I would like to know is how many post op patients end up with further complications and further surgery?  Do repeat surgeries often happen so soon, or does it normally take some time to have problems with adjacent levels of the neck?  I am awaiting an MRI, but I am anxious because my pain is increasing and I am unable to do anything without causing discomfort.  I am back on the pain meds, but can only take it at night or when the kids are not home because it makes me sleepy.  The physical therapist believes that the neurosurgeon's first concerns of an upper level having a problem are true.  What level would cause neck pain, headaches, and shoulder pain?  Nothing works to help and I am frustrated.  Please share your experiences.  I would like an idea of what I can expect. Thank you for your help. Jo Ann

[JMRIZZ]

Unfortunately I am still the same.  My pain is believed to be due to the added motion of the upper discs.  I am still treating, but have been given no hope of a full recovery.  The pain doctor and neurosurgeon seem to be in agreement on this fact.  I will wait and see, but being as things have gotten worse rather than better, I am not optimistic.  Thank you for your well wishes.

[Zak_Han]

Hi,here,
How are you doing,everything getting better?
Sorry to your suffering,as you know,It is a common misconception that neck pain always stems from the pressure of a slipped disc or a trapped nerve.  This is misleading, the cause of neck pain is also inflammation stimulating nerves, causing the pain signal.so after fusion,perhaps patient still suffer from soft tissue injury (chronic pain),it can lead to "repeat pain".it will take time to heal...Good luck!

[JMRIZZ]

Thank you all for your well wishes.  I also wish everyone in pain and facing the unknown courage.  I pray that we all can find help from our physicians and continued support from our families.  My family has been great and I am grateful for all they do for me.  Best wishes to all and I will let you know how things go on Wed.

[tinkrbll]

Hi,  I am 39 and 5 yrs ago had C4/5 fused one of my second opinion guys wanted to do a trr-level fusion but my physician said that would be crazy to do becuz I was young  
(34) and it was still in trial fazes.  Well 5 yrs later here I am in severe pain.  I had my surgery in Idaho, moved to VA near D.C, and have seen 5 of D.C's supposed finest and all agree that I need to have surgery to fix the C4/5 screw up.  Which literally is a "Screw up"  The doc in idaho put a screw in crooked so it is sitting in the vertibrel foramine.  No one will touch me with a 10 ft pole.  They say it needs to be removed and that I still have degeneration at C5/6 and 7 but they can't see how bad becuz of the artifact that is coming from the C4/5 fusion is blocking their view.  Now I am on a pain management regiment and wonder if I was to have a doc to do more surgery if it would be worth it.

Sorry for rambling.  I hope you find a good doctor that will take good care of you.  It sucks not being able to get help and being stuck on pain meds.

[rocke44]

Hi, I'm 44 and 6 years ago had anterior cervical fusion c4-c5, in October the next disc down herniated causing nerve to be compressed, I have opted for Root Nerve block this time as my surgeon warned me 6 years previous that I had 20% more chance of next disc going and fear that if I have another fusion it will happen to the next disc and just carry on til I have no decent spine left!  I am hopeful that the injection will help ease the pain but am still concerned that the disc will still be damaged.  Good luck.

[stiffyneck]

I am about 6 years post fusion.  I had a 4 level fusion from 3/4-4/5-5/6-6/7 anterior posterior.  I have considerable pain in my neck and shoulders.  I do steroid injections which help.  I'm not sure I would have another surgery if they would even do one.  I hope you find what you need to help you manage your pain level and lead a happy life.