posterior protrusions

[Frnchvan1023]

Back in Jan 2012, I had a levl 3 fusion. I am still experiencing a lot of stiffness & neck pain. i just had a post-op MRI, and it states "Abnormal MRI of the cervical spine with post-op changes C3-4, C4-5 and C5-6 with small posterior protrusions at each level".  What exactly does this mean?

[Dee1956]

Hello just remembered, after I had back surgery I would wake with my lower back feeling as if it had turned into a block of cement, it was very stiff and painful.  The only thing that helped me was gentle stretching, walking every day to encourage blood flow and time
I hope you find an answer
Dee

[Dee1956]

Hi, did your doctor try to explain?  To me protrusions sound like bulging discs
I had back surgery and it took me 6 months to get better.  I also had to do stretches every day or my back was very tight and stiff.  My doc told me that walking was a good way to get the blood flow to the back to help heal it
Good luck
Dee

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

Though I am not sure about the spinal level(s) where the fusion was exactly done, stiffness may be expected after the procedure; while neck pain may need an evaluation by your treating doctor to look into secondary issues. The MRI describes changes similar to those seen after a spinal fusion and small intravertebral disc protrusions at cervical levels C3/C4, C4/C5 and C5/C6.
Hope this is helpful.

Take care!