Neck fusion, level 4

[dortsy]

I had a Level 3 neck fusion (C4-7) five years ago, and have been in unrelenting pain ever since. It now seems that I have bone spurs growing from my spine that are pinching nerves. Now I am concerned that the vertebra on top of the fusion is weakening and will need to be fused as well.' I might also have to have the bone spurs sawed off. Has anyone dealt with a Level 4 neck fusion and/or an operation to remove bone spurs from the cervical area? What kind of mobility can I expect after a Level 4 neck fusion?

[dhods633]

Hi, I had L3 thru S1 (3 discs) fused 5 yrs ago as well and although mine is lower back compared to your cervical, it's basically the same thing and I too have had TREMENDOUS pain, numbness and tingling.  I too have bone spurs pinching my nerves.  You didn't mention, what type of medications are you currently taking?  I've run the gamut and at the present time am on Morphine tabs, Hydrocodone & Muscle Relaxers....They take the "edge" off but that's about it.................I feel for you.........

[justmomrapp]

Just a brief about me:
I have had 2 cervical fusions (bone spurs pushing on my spinal cord) at the same location because my body rejected the donor bone. (One March 07 Second Jan 08) (c3-c6) Last MRI showed a slight fusion at c5-c6 and no fusion at c3-c4. The plate is now pushing in the vertibrea at c3 and new bone spurs pushing on my spinal cord that have formed at c1-c2.
You didn't say why you had the fusion, but my outcome has been truely painful. I look back quite often and wonder if I would be better off not doing the surgery. But I can't think that any bone pushing on your spinal cord could be good. But - I have extreme pain daily. Neck, shoulders, arms, hands and if I sneeze I am in for snap that almost paralyzes me for a few seconds. And extreme headaches daily that will sometimes keep in bed for the day.
Bone spurs are a form of DDD and it happens with age. Along I could understand this if your over 60, however I am not even close.
I go back to my Dr. in January to see what he suggests, but since I have no insurance, I really don't know what he will be able to do.
I don't know if this helps, but at least you know that you are not alone.
Good luck and God Bless.
Keep us posted.