Post surgical pain after cervical disc replacement

[Tammyin Saipan]

Pain after having an artificial disc replacement~
I had ruptured discs at c5, c6, c7 and the surgery was to use an artificial disc at c6 to alleviate pain.
Right after surgery, I felt great, but about 2 years post surgery, started having pain again.
Now, and dealing with severe headaches that start at the base of my skull, and are like tension headaches.
Also, severe muscle spasms in upper back and shoulder areas (both sides) that are not responding to muscle relaxers, exercise, massage, or ultra sound therapy.
Help! Need some advice!
Had an MRI and MRA about 3 weeks ago, that show no reason in the brain as to why I am having such bad headaches, there is no rhyme or reason to the episodes either.
They can happen in an instant and can go away quickly or linger for a day or two.
The disc is the Prestige artificial disc, and I am involved in a study group.
The doctor that did the surgery says that the pain I am experiencing is not from the disc itself, so he is no help.
I feel like my shoulder and the sides of my neck are constantly tensed up, and I can crack or pop my neck sometimes and that relieves the pressure, but some days, the pain is so intense, I just want to take something to make it all go away!
I do have an office job, but try to get up and walk around the office often, and I do exercise often, walking, SCUBA diving, light weight lifting.
Any suggestions would be great!
Thanks

[suze668]

i had c5/6 c6/7 discs replaced in october 2012 after being in severe pain for 18 months. I was told i would wake up and feel pain free i am in more pain now and all i get told is it will get better ! I am not able to work at the moment and everything i do makes it hurt , have more pain in right arm which i didnt have before its good to read other people experiences as it makes me feel like im not going mad !!

[momo611]

In March 2012 while at work I had a coffee mug shattered on the back of my head right side. The pain in neck and head started immedetly. Went to Er Dr said have some ibprofun your fine. Even though told him headache pain in neck pain shotting across from ear to eye blurred vision. Went to WC Dr he sent to Nueroligest he digenoist Post Concussion syndrome . Sent for MRI herniated disk C6 C7 . Sent for PT cause more pain in neck and head. PT said they weren't doing any good just causing more pain . Sent to Pain Management put on all sort of meds. No relief. Got different Pain Management Dr. Cause 1 st one wouldn't listen to me. Present Pain Management Dr. awsome . Listens wnderstands . Did . No relief. I was still working took 8 days off after injury . I have been in extreme pain neck shoulders and headaches . I have never had headaches before. Musle spasms in my chest down both arms. Worse in left are down to fingers numbness tingling in fingers. Not sleeping well waking up from pain in neck and headache musle spasms. Also issuses with memory lose severe agitation , anger out bursts. My pain specialist stated he felt my only opition was surgery. I had said from the start no surgery. Well the pain was so servere. Anything I did was causing pain. I was very active up to point of injury. I agreed with surgery. Praying for relief. Well on Jan 4 2013 is 3 months since surgery. I see my surgeyn on the 4 th. I have had no relief I had fision c6 c7. The pain is worse then before rhe surgery. I ve been out of work for 3 months. Its been a misreable time .taking pain meds musle relaxers. I'm on WC so I'm greaful to be getting a pay check. I can't do wnything .  I have no Idea what is to come from Dr appt on Thursday.  Also having severe sweating problem , with a nasty order . I don't know I at my wits end ! I always been very active. I'm 52 and have lost my freedom . My life is at a stand still. And I don't see any relief from pain anytime soon . I'm grateful to have found this site, it makes a big difference not to be alone . Thank you . Will let you know how appt goes . You are all in my prayers and thoughs  

[MJErickson]

I'm getting the prestige artificial disk in 10 days, I got to reading about it and if you have a allergy to stainless steel you are not a candidate, long story short, it contains nickel and other metals, I'm getting tested for metal allergies Monday . If you are having issues it could be you are having a allergic reaction to the metal.

[JeniferLyn101]

I'm 39 & live in Puyallup WA. I've went 22months needing surgery on C5/C6, but also have an underlying congenital disorder which affects my connective tissue. The first surgeon immediately wanted me to have a fusion. I asked about any other alternatives & he refused. I was referred to a different Ortho, who sent me in for my first, of a total of 4 Epidurals. First one worked great, the second & fourth did nothing.
  After exalting my other options, massage, NUCCA, & acupuncture, I could no longer keep from staring @ the ground. Both my insurances would NOT cover the disc replacement, & just last week my parents decided to just pay the $$ & get me scheduled. My surgery is tomorrow @ 6:45am. I'm having the Prestige pro disc c. I'll keep you posted on how everything turns out. All I know is I cannot imagine the pain/numbness/nerve issues being any worse than they already are! Please say a prayer!

[young51]

Had C6 and C7 replaced in May in Walla Walla WA, Still have a pain in neck, 3 fingers on my right hand are numb which was not there before....I have hard time lifting my head up from my pillow at night, Headaches that I did not have before......It take my breath away at times.... Dr. said that the hardware looks good and released me to go to work!!!
Hello I'm in pain, can't lift my grandchildren that don't even weight 30 pounds..
It has been 3 months hopefully this will get better, I'm a care giver and this is amazing that the trauma that your body goes through muscle spasm that are not fun at all, and the Dr. says that you good to go you are know bionic!!
Did I make the right Decision on having this operation??? To late know
  

[shellierenee]

I feel as though im in the same boat as you.  Single mom of two. Car reck. herniated disks. My c6-7 replaced with an artificial disk. Horrible shoulder and neck pain.  Still tingles. About the only positive thing is I can rotate my head better on what was the worse side.  On pain pills and they just barely take the edge off. had to stop physical therapy on neck b/c of swelling or at least that's what they think is causing it. Gonna continue with the upper back. I too can't do anything with more pain being caused. Just ***** beyond belief all b/c I was in a car reck from someone not watching where they are going.  Sorry for your pain and I do hope it gets better for you.