Post Cervical Fusion Pain- A year later...

[KC454]

I had a cervical fusion Aug 2008 of C5-C6 with the PEEK and plate and was told surgery was the only option due to a huge bone spur that was growing and pressing on the nerve root and pressing into the spinal column. After the surgery the nerve pain that went down into my hands and fingers was gone immediately. I still had pain at the level of the fusion, but was told that it will take a while for the nerves to heal themselves. About 6 months ago the pain from the surgery site had started to fade, but now I have horrid nerve pain coming from just below the surgery site (C6-7). It flows down my levator into my scapular (left shoulder blade) and into my shoulder (rotator cuff) and down to my elbow now. The pain is getting worse everyday, and pain killers aren't doing a thing anymore. I had an epidural spinal steroid injection to the nerve root 3 weeks ago with no relief at all. I have another scheduled for 2 days from now. An MRI I took this past Friday shows some swelling and bulging above and below the fusion, but according to my physiatrist's asst, nothing that is pressing into the nerve root or spinal column at that level. My physical therapist is certain there has to be something there. My neurosurgeon is one of the best in the city and he says he is at a loss, that he is "confused" by my pain and wants to track me further. I was wondering what others have tried, and what was successful and unsuccessful in getting the nerve pain to go away.   I am going to get a second opinion with another neurosurgeon at the end of this month...I'm getting desperate...thanks for any and all information :o) ,
K.

[lggrneyes13]

I have had 2 c-spine fusions 7 yrs ago and unfortunatly had the same proble. My fusion  did what the drs. called "failed"  this is when it did not fuse, it not only did not fuse but blew out the dics below , with in 2 months after surgery maybe even sooner  my dr. knew what was wrong and you can see it on an x-ray. Then I had another surgery right away. There was no other choice.
sorry for the bad news

[kittyluv1]

I am sorry to hear about your situation.  I had a cervical fusion C4-C7 done on 2/17/09 and did not have any complications such as you have described.  When nerve pain is present and injections delivered to the area don't provide relief, what are the next steps to take?
I think a second opinion from another neurosurgeon would be appropriate.  Often an MRI does not show subtle problems.  There could be a small portion of disc material that was not removed and is hidden from view --- another test such as a CT scan might be able to provide more clarity.
I am hopeful that my recovery continues without problems, but I am always aware of the possibility of failure and I my thoughts are with you during this difficult time.