Degenerative Disc Disease
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Fri, 06/19/2009 - 09:09
Cervical Foraminotomy
I had a "Cervical Foraminotomy" on the neck, C 5-6 & C 6-7, about 7 1/2 weeks ago. Everything went well & I no longer have the numbness, weakness & pain in my left arm. I am so glad I did this, however I had no clue that recovery would take so long and be so painful. Don't get me wrong, if I had to do it all over again, I would in a heart beat. I only suffered for a year prior to this surgery, because I had to go through all the different types of physical therapy and even had the injections done in my neck, that didn't do any good. Would love to share my experience and would like to hear about others such as mine.
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MsJulie
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what about the neck pain? does it only help the arm pain? .
C2-3: Mild right facet joint degenerative changes and right neuroforaminal stenosis.
C3-4: Minimal diffuse discosteophyte bulge and mild central cananl stenosis.
C4-5: Mild disc height loss with central annular fissure. Small broad-based left paracentral disc protrusion. Moderate central canal stenosis-the disc protrusion abuts and mildly flattens the left ventral surface of the spinal canal.
C5-6: Disc desiccation with mild height loss.
Diffuse discosteophyte bulge and uncovertebral joint hypertrophy, moderate central canal stenosis-the discosteophyte bulge mildly flattens the ventral surface of the spinal cord. Severe neuroforaminal stenosis bilaterally, right greater than left.
My neck problem only cause pain, numbness & tingling in my left arm..... constant pain.... couldn't live that way & way to young for all that nonsense. My neighbor had neck pain & had surgery where they put in a piece of cadavier bone. Took awhile to heal. I had the posterior cervical foraminotomy performed about 9 weeks ago. Only have a few more weeks for a complete recovery. I didn't know how long it took to heal after such, but thank GOD it's over. Recovery will depend on your outlook & tolerance to pain. It WILL go away, but seems like 4EVER if you've don't know what to expect.
Good Luck to YA!!!
MsJulie
Hi Zack,
I had a cervical foraminotomy 7 1/2 weeks ago, myself. It was done posteriorly and worked beautifully in relieving my radiculopathy but like you I was surprised at the amount of post-op pain. The muscles on the opposite side of the procedure burned and ached for weeks and the muscles still knot up when my head is tilted forward for even a few minutes, but it is getting better all the time. No doubt there are other procedures which hurt a good deal more.
Julie in Houston, Tx
age 51 - mild to moderate DDD in C5-6 & C6-7
MsJulie
inchworm my friend...did it help with posterior osteophyte complexes?
do they grind off the bone spurs/ osteophtes?
C2-3: Mild right facet joint degenerative changes and right neuroforaminal stenosis.
C3-4: Minimal diffuse discosteophyte bulge and mild central cananl stenosis.
C4-5: Mild disc height loss with central annular fissure. Small broad-based left paracentral disc protrusion. Moderate central canal stenosis-the disc protrusion abuts and mildly flattens the left ventral surface of the spinal canal.
C5-6: Disc desiccation with mild height loss.
Diffuse discosteophyte bulge and uncovertebral joint hypertrophy, moderate central canal stenosis-the discosteophyte bulge mildly flattens the ventral surface of the spinal cord. Severe neuroforaminal stenosis bilaterally, right greater than left.
Good Morning JK!
The way I understand it, in the foraminotomy procedure the surgeon removes a portion of bone to give the trapped nerve room. The surgeon gently moves the nerve to look behind it and sometimes removes a portion of disc if that will help decompress the nerve. If your osteophyte is the disc and it was found to be pressing on the nerve, then I imagine the surgeon would remove that portion of the disc that was causing the problem. Even though I have disc osteophytes and the disc at the level of my problem (C6-7) was herniated towards the nerve he only needed to remove a portion of the facet capsule on me.
My MRI showed disc dessication at all cervical levels and "broad-based posterior disc osteophyte complexes". I understand that to mean that the discs have dehydrated and are squishing down and outward and are also becoming hard (calcifying). I've read that the disc dessication and collapse causes the vertebrae above and below to rub together causing overgrowth (hypertrophy) of bone and that hypertrophy is also called a bone spur or osteophyte. So, an osteophyte is a bone spur and a degenerated disc will sooner or later become an osteophyte once it has hardened. In a foraminotomy I believe that the surgeon will remove whatever is causing pressure on the nerve at that particular spot. If it is a portion of an osteophyte that needs to be removed to relieve the neuroforaminal stenosis, then I presume that's what he would do, whether that was part of the disc itself or a bone spur on the vertebra. I'm still learning about this new world of spinal problems that I've been thrown into, lol.
thank you so much!....that is exactly what is happening to me...I can feel it when I sit a certain way and lean my head back... now that you had surgery can you still feel it rub?
C2-3: Mild right facet joint degenerative changes and right neuroforaminal stenosis.
C3-4: Minimal diffuse discosteophyte bulge and mild central cananl stenosis.
C4-5: Mild disc height loss with central annular fissure. Small broad-based left paracentral disc protrusion. Moderate central canal stenosis-the disc protrusion abuts and mildly flattens the left ventral surface of the spinal canal.
C5-6: Disc desiccation with mild height loss.
Diffuse discosteophyte bulge and uncovertebral joint hypertrophy, moderate central canal stenosis-the discosteophyte bulge mildly flattens the ventral surface of the spinal cord. Severe neuroforaminal stenosis bilaterally, right greater than left.
Just noticed this posted twice so am deleting this one.
The only time I sense the rubbing is when I turn my head slowly back and forth. There's a gratey, rough "sound" that I hear via bone conduction, I presume. If there's noise around me I can't hear it. It's similar to the roughness I hear/feel in my knee when squatting down. The knee has arthritis which has caused roughness on the joint surfaces.
The noise I hear in my neck is not painful and wasn't affected by my surgery because that was lower down (C6/7) and was to relieve nerve pain.
Hope you have a decent day!
I have not met anyone yet that has had the procedure we both had, so it's really good to talk to someone who has been through same thing as myself. I never had surgery before, therefore I was clueless as what was in store. The doc just says "you'll be sore for several weeks". My gosh -easy for him to say. hehe I saw him after 7 weeks & he told me I could return to normal activities, but don't lift anything over 15lbs for 12 weeks. I looked at him like he was crazy because there is no way I could possibly return to normal yet. I am really glad no bone was required with metal plate. We are lucky there. Like you, I had tremendous burning sensation in the shoulder area. So bad I kept ice packs on it 24/7. After the 8th week, I went back to the heating pad. Going on 10th week now, pain is more tolerable. I hope you are feeling much better as well.
MsJulie
YES!!! That is exactly what they do!!!!!! They grind, with a tiny drill, any discs that are impending on the nerves. However, post-op is no fun. Used ice packs 24/7 for MANY weeks on my shoulder, (numbed it basically) because the muscles are pulled to the side during surgery (not cut into at least), which causes severe inflammation. My husband took me home 3 hrs after surgery. Don't know why, my ins. co. had already approved up to 2 days hospital stay, but doc seemed to think I'd be better off healing in own home. Also I was able to endure the car ride because I had NO pain yet, because I had so much anethesia & Demerol in me. hehe I'd do it again in a heartbeat..... I hope you have a smooth recovery & keep a good attitude, because you will begin to feel hopeless if you have never had surgery, such as myself. Oh, love your pups there. Cute.
Take Care. Hope this helped you.
MsJulie
Thanks Zack I went to the Doc today and he said to just go straight to the 2 level fusion..my heart went into my stomach when i seen the metal they use...
I would much rather have the Cervical Foraminotomy like you and inchworm..
C2-3: Mild right facet joint degenerative changes and right neuroforaminal stenosis.
C3-4: Minimal diffuse discosteophyte bulge and mild central cananl stenosis.
C4-5: Mild disc height loss with central annular fissure. Small broad-based left paracentral disc protrusion. Moderate central canal stenosis-the disc protrusion abuts and mildly flattens the left ventral surface of the spinal canal.
C5-6: Disc desiccation with mild height loss.
Diffuse discosteophyte bulge and uncovertebral joint hypertrophy, moderate central canal stenosis-the discosteophyte bulge mildly flattens the ventral surface of the spinal cord. Severe neuroforaminal stenosis bilaterally, right greater than left.
Doc said you needed the metal huh? Well, that's what I would've had to have, if I had waited any longer for the foraminotomy. Your neck problems are a step higher than mine had gotton. My neighbor had the metal & bone in 2 levels and she is doing awesome. Plus, recovery is not near as long & bad as mine & inch, because your procedure will begin by going in the front of your neck (anterior). Therefore not causing all the muscular pain associated with going in the back (posterior). Initial visit they did talk about what they are doing to you. I didn't care how they did it as long as the pain was going to get fixed. But on the second visit they thought this was more suitable for me, especially since I smoke. If you smoke after the anterior approach, most patients don't benefit from the whole ordeal. I am glad you are soon to becoming free from all the pain associated with your neck problems. Very glad to hear from you. Thx Julie.
Zack is my puppy!!! LOL
MsJulie
I just cant seem to accept double fusion...
SoI will have to just lay in bed until I get another opinion/option...
C2-3: Mild right facet joint degenerative changes and right neuroforaminal stenosis.
C3-4: Minimal diffuse discosteophyte bulge and mild central cananl stenosis.
C4-5: Mild disc height loss with central annular fissure. Small broad-based left paracentral disc protrusion. Moderate central canal stenosis-the disc protrusion abuts and mildly flattens the left ventral surface of the spinal canal.
C5-6: Disc desiccation with mild height loss.
Diffuse discosteophyte bulge and uncovertebral joint hypertrophy, moderate central canal stenosis-the discosteophyte bulge mildly flattens the ventral surface of the spinal cord. Severe neuroforaminal stenosis bilaterally, right greater than left.
Morning!
JK, my new friend -- looks like I've been missing this thread. Didn't realize you'd gotten a fusion reco from your doctor. I can't give you any personal experience for that but I can give you reassurance that we'll be here to help you through your recovery if you decide you can deal with that surgery.
Julie -- I think you've had a much harder and longer recovery from your foraminotomy than I had. Was yours done endoscopically? My surgeon introduced a small instrument between the muscle fibers (the way he described it) and gradually dialed the instrument wider until there was sufficient opening to work in with the endoscope. Maybe he did it all with one instrument, not sure on that, but it sounded like a relatively gentle approach to getting through the muscles. I had about a 2" incision. I'm not a smoker so that probably made a difference as well.
How are you feeling now? I have no more discomfort in my neck although I've started having the faintest prickly sensations in the backs of both hands the last few days. Not very pronounced and not all the time but enough to notice and make me wonder what's going on since that was never a symptom I had pre-surgery and it is on both sides. I suppose it could be further deterioration of my neck but is probably yet one more weird way my body reacts to stress, lol.
Yes, I agree with you that I have had a much harder & longer recovery than you. Possibly because I had 2 levels, C5-6 & C6-7, where they had to shave off the discs that were causing the problem, and I have a 4 inch scar, not 2 inch like you. Initially they talked about doing just one area, C5-6, but decided to go on & do C 6-7 because it might present a problem in the future.
Take Care
MsJulie
Today I am almost 10 weeks post op & I am feeling sooooo much better. Thanks for asking. I am going to be in the category of 12 weeks to recover. Also, I, like you, had a day where the pain came back real strong - because of stress they say & to give it time. I feel 95% healed today & getting all my strength back, FINALLY - it's been rough though & I thank you for being here to share with. I guess you are 100% healed, huh? Lucky you! ; )
You take care & we'll talk again, I hope....
Oh, I don't think mine was not endoscopic as originally planned, because of "TWO" areas in need of help, not just the "one" area. Made a big difference in the procedure & recovery.
But hey, I'd do it over & over if that's what it took to get rid of all the pain it had been causing me over the last year.
hugs to ya
MsJulie
Ah...two areas were operated on, that explains your longer recovery, plus the fact it wasn't an endoscopic procedure. I assume that means a good deal more moving of the muscle fibers to get through them. So glad to hear you're feeling nearly all healed!
We'll talk again...I'm here off and on throughout every day.
Yes inch, 2 areas. The most current MRI taken prior to surgery showed an addt'l degenerating disk, so they decided to fix both C5-6 & C6-7. Said that later on, I would more than likely need to do that area too, so do it now & get it over with. I went to Baylor Coll. of Med. in Houston to the best Neurosurgeon there, so guess he knows what he's doing. LOL. Just soooooo glad it's over & the pain in my arm, etc. is GONE!!! I can deal with the extra muscle pain now that I know why it's there. Almost 100% now. How have you been doing? Are you 100%? You should be, huh? It's be great chatting with you. I hope you are doing well. Hugs to YOU!!!
MsJulie
I'm 100% recovered from my surgery. Now that the C7 nerve pain is relieved I'm noticing the beginnings of other pains, sometimes a bit lower, sometimes higher in my neck. It has been 6 months since my MRI so I suppose the degeneration in my back is just marching on!
Glad to hear you had a top-notch surgeon. That's the way to do it!
Wishing you a good day and sending HUGS your way!
What do you mean you feel other pain in your neck?
is all I can say... girl - it's been rough on me. I am so glad I had you to talk to - thx - I'll be around -
talk to ya later
Man, I didn't want to hear that. I was told this might occur & is not uncommon. It's only been 10wks since you had surgery & I hear that you might have pain come & go for up to a year.
Give it awhile before having another MRI. Really!
MsJulie
I was just referring to *new* nerve pain that I've felt below the surgery level, plus some stiffness and achiness above that level which I can tell is the precursor to nerve pain. I do have the worst degeneration at C4-5, according to my neuro, so it might be that area which is just getting worse.
Nope--won't be seeking out another MRI unless/until things get worse. Been going to PT and doing daily shoulder exercises for the rotator cuff tendonitis which I developed a few weeks after surgery.
My surgeon had me stop all neck exercises in the interim but am now adding them back in and seems like they kind of aggrevate the occasional pain I feel in my neck. Not complaining, mind you, nor trying to worry you at all. I feel very good compared to 95% of everybody on this board and am very blessed to have been helped so thoroughly by the foraminotomy. Time will tell what (if anything) further develops with my neck. And, I 
have a feeling YOU are going to be feeling very good, shortly!
YES we are very fortunate for the foraminotomy. We were canditates & lucky for that. I feel so good today FINALLY
later......
95% of everybody on here.... AWESOME......
One woman on here posted a pic of her back surgery and the incision was from her neck to hip area. Looked a mile long.
That's when I realized how lucky I am. You too, for that matter. Was your pain in your arm, neck, or where - before you had your foraminotomy?
Hope you have a great day & C4-5 level under control.
these smiley faces are funny - I learned them from you
MsJulie
Love the smilies! I wouldn't be able to talk without them, lol.
So glad to hear you're feeling really good today!
That's wonderful! 
My C7 nerve pain was deep midway in my shoulder and would extend down my arm but stop just above my wrist and it was a sharp aching sensation. No numbness, just pain. Where did you experience your pain? 
My MRI impression read:
wore me out... oh, you know....
Moderate foraminal stenosis due to uncoarthosis on the left at C6-7 and bilaterally C5-6 but greater on the left.
Mild foraminal stenosis on the left at C3-4, bilaterally at C4-5 due to uncoarthrosis.
Mild spinal canal stenosis due to disk osteophyte complex at C5-6 and a lesser extent at C4-5 and C6-7.
Moderate denerative disk disease in C4-5,5-6,6-7
blah blah blah scared the heck outa me
-
My pain (C5-6), was mainly in my left forearm, from elbow to wrist and top of hand, and sometimes traveled to my fingers. Also mild upper arm pain. Felt like someone socked me in the arm with nuckle. (C6-7) All of this pain came on one afternoon, after a nap. I thought I slept too hard on my left arm. And over a year later, I finally got relief. This all happened right after my 50th b-day. Go figure.
The pain, as you describe, sharp aching sensation, but CONSTANT! Felt like a BAD bruise. Nothing gave it relief. It was always there, sometimes worse, but always there. I also had alot of numbness in that area too.
I, like you, are new to this neck & nerve stuff. You know the ole saying "I'm just a bundle of nerves" or "you just got on my last nerve" - LOL now they have alot of meaning...
chat with ya later... good to hear from you...
MsJulie
Man. This is tough.
I'm new to the forum and trying to decide what to do with my cervical issues. I've been 17 years on and off in pain.
I had an accident that caused a c7 herniation and they wanted to fuse me but I decided not to even tho I lost a great deal of strength in my left arm. I worked hard for 2 years and got most of it back. I'm highly athletic so fusion was too scary.
I lost the battle and now am looking at a 3 level anterior fusion or the posterior foraminotomy. The doc says fusion is the best choice for me. He said the pf would not fix the problem but may help with the pain. He would only be able to make the holes and not touch the herniation or nerve. The goal would to be make room for the nerve to lift. He said "let the furniture float"
I'm stumped. Any tips?
Lynn
Had 3 level Anterior Cervical Disc Fusion July 27th 2009
posted twice lol
Lynn
Had 3 level Anterior Cervical Disc Fusion July 27th 2009
17 years is a long time to live with that pain. I guess it's totally up to you as to having the surgery. Meaning how much pain can you actually tolerate without the surgery. I am learning alot since I had my foraminotomy. Learned that ALOT of people struggle with degenerative disks. I chose to have the surgery because I am also very active and didn't want to live my life in constant, nagging, on & off pain. I could never make plans on a day to day basis, not knowing if I was going to have a good or bad day. I am soooooo happy now that I had it corrected. Back to normal activities & living a pain free life. But it's totally up to you.
think it over & don't believe everything you hear or read because everyone is different... best advise is from your doctor.
You take care & I hope you'll be pain free soon.
PS I hear the anterior approach is easier on recovery than the posterior, because the muscles aren't being disturbed.
hugs
MsJulie