I am currently 6 months ACDF post op C6-C7. I was diagnosed with a slight herniation at C5-C6, but not in need of surgery on that level.I have just returned to work the beginning of June and almost all of my symptoms have returned. I am a flight attendant and during my first trip, there was constant turbulence and at one point it got a little bad. I had a long layover in Cali and had to take my leftover muscle relaxers to get to sleep because I was in so much pain. The next day I couldn't move without pain. Thank God I didn't have to fly at all that day. The following day was awful. 4 flights, I had to take 600mg of Ibuprofen by the 2nd flight. Now, I have constant tingling in my fingers and pain in between my shoulder blades. Closing the overhead compartments can cause some pain and just riding in my brother-in-law's truck 2 weeks ago caused so much pain that I was drugged up and asleep by 8:30pm. I called my neurosurgeon and have gotten no response.
My questions.....has anyone else experienced constant pain after surgery? What, in your opinion, is my best next step? Others have said try acupuncture. Some have said it's just normal to live with the pain. I think that's unacceptable but may be reality, I hope not. Thanks for any and all feedback. Peace