Neck and Shoulder pain after C5-6 fusion.

[Roonie5038]

A little over a year ago, I had C5-6 fused. With a plate and screws inserted. Since then I am having trouble with pain in the neck and shoulder area just below the fusion area. I wake in the morning with a headache then turns to pain in lower neck and shoulders.
I have talked to the neurosurgeon who did the surgery and he shrugged his shoulders and said I have no idea and sent me back to my neurologist. He gave me a series of injections in both shoulders and the pain stopped for a couple days but then came right back. Then we tried massage therapy, it helps but only for a short period.Then I have to go back to the massage therapist again and again, my insurance will not pay for that. And I have tried changing my pillows on my bed and sleeping in different positions and nothing seems to help for long term.
What can I do?
Thanks
Maureen

[menifeerick]

I had a 3-level disectomy in May/2014 and at about 7 weeks from surgery I began to experience vertigo.  It eventually went away after a few weeks.  I am sure yours will also go away

[Lindy61]

I too use essential oils and I have found some relief. Deep relief from Young Living and a mix of Aroma siez, Panaway and Lemongrass from YL, too. For headaches and migraines I use Frova, very effective.

[Lindy61]

I have experienced vertigo. I am 6 weeks post op of c 567. Neurosurgeon says it's not related to surgery. I am seeing my primary tomorrow.

[Lindy61]

For headaches or migraines I have used Frova. It's very expensive but one pill and I'm pain free!
I am six weeks post op for c567 fusion.
I have also used to some success an essential oil called deep relief by Young Living. Hey if it gives some relief, it's worth it! It is necessary to re-apply often. But I really like the fact that I don't have take it internally and the relief is instant.  I am sorry to read some of these posts, it seems hopeless for some of you but in truth it never is. Keep fighting and looking for a better way. I will pray for you.

[lucid1967]

I had back in April 2014 my c5/c6 and c6/c7 fused do to fracture and bone spurs. I have had 6 months of physical therapy thereafter, and I hurt worse now than I did prior to the surgery. I have pain in my thumbs ;and the burning that runs down my neck, into my shoulder is horrendous. So since my hands wont work, my GP sent me to see a nerve doctor who said I have c6 nerve damage, and an impended nerve. He said it should heal in time. That was 6 months ago and it is getting worse. It has gotten to the point where my quality of life had diminished as the pain seems to get worse when I sit up, and when I grip things with my hands, either I am dropping things or the pain is so bad in my hands I am coming unglued. My GP went over my neurologist head and put me on Lyrica to give me some relief. I am only one week on a small dosage of 50 mg as she wants to move me up slowly since my system rejects most medications. It seems to help some, but not enough. I will know more as we increase the dosage, but the LYRICA is to tell the brain to ignore the nerve pain. I just want this fixed. I don't know what else to do.  I can no longer do my job as sitting at a desk is no longer an option.  I have thought about returning to school and change my occupation to limit sitting 8 a day and typing. Just typing this is bringing me to tears. What other options are out there? I read the above and it seems like others have gone through the same thing or have similar issues since the surgery.  i am regretting having said surgery now.  I feel worse off. Is there anything? Any other option that will not require surgery?

[benerblue]

I had C4-C7 fused in three different surgeries. I experienced horrible neck and shoulder pain also. I had a nonfusion that was the cause of the pain. I had several mri's and xrays before someone finally noticed. Get a good doc that knows what tolook for