Neck Pain: Cervical
Question...pain long after fusion

So my sugery was Feb 07 and since May of this year have been having the left shoulder and arm pain. I am fused C4-C7....I had a corpectomy. I take it there is no disc there anymore so what can be going on that is causing this pain? It is the same pain that I had prior to any surgery only this time it is the left arm and not the right. Laying down has made it worst....I awake after about 2 hours and have to get up....also any sudden movement of that arm, if I am not thinking, like reaching for something are turning my arm a certain way. What in the world could be going on?? I went to the Ortho doctor and he did an xray of my shoulder and arm and everything looked good....he still put me on Mobic and have been taking it for 8 days now with no improvement....I also have doubled up on my Lyrica and can't tell any change. This has me a little shaky. I start PT this Monday for the shoulder....he wants to rule out tendinitis.....I know deep down it is my neck, any clue what??? Any idea would be appreciated, I need to be "armed" with info when I go Monday.

Sharon


Hi

Sharon , I wish that I had some snswers for you on this one but I do not. I am going through something very similar myself....so I can offer you support and friendship while you go through this. If ever I can help you or if you just want to talk or whatever then just let me know....please keep us posted as you can....hang in there sweetie.....Miki

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6\2007 MRI...C4-C5 Disc Degeneration..C5-C6 Central disc protusion effacing the ventral aspect of the thecal sac..right foraminal encroachment. C6-C7 Osteophytes.7\2007 ACDF C5-C6 with Titanium Plate and Screws..Donor Bone..Bone Spurs Removed. 11\2007 Diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and RLS. 1\2008 MRI..Scoliosis of the Lower Thoracic. 5\2008-6\2008...Medial Branch Blocks and Ablation.
7\2008..Myelogram..C4-C5 Disc Degeneration with Disc Bulge\Herniation..C6-C7 Broad Based Disc Bulge\Herniation..Tune into tomorrow for the next episode of....10\2008...UPDATE:First time having a Pain Management Doctor and I am trying a different medicine regime and so far I am doing GREAT!!!! I haven't felt this wonderful in a long time....THANK YOU to all of my Family and Friends who have supported me through out all of this....You all ROCK!!!!!

RE: Pain Long After Fusion

Hi Sharon:

I couldn't say either what is causing your pain. My DO told me the other day she feels I should have a nerve block at C6 as a diagnostic to see if that takes away my left arm pain. I have not had surgery yet but she thinks the neuro surgeon is going to want to do C3 thru C7 Fusion.

I hope your doctors find out soon and get at the root of your pain. We are here to support you as we are going thru various Cervical Spine issues as well.

Ken GreyEagle

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hypertension, type 2 diabetes, 56 yrs old, married 34 yrs, 2 children, 2 grandsons, cervical spine surgery upcoming, tonsilectomy 1959, carpal tunnel surgery both hands 1997

Still a big question....

Went for my first PT this morning.....the pt girl is really good, she evaluated me and she does think I have a rotator cuff problem....also the nerve damage at C5C6 has a lot to do with my arm pain and thumb and index finger....the nerve is not sending the message to the muscles. I am going to do the 4 weeks of pt, mostly heat massages and stretches...she also mentioned a tens unit. At the end of the 4 weeks we will see what the ortho wants to do...probably an MRI or injections....who knows.

Sharon

In Pain

Hello - I am also in pain after my surgery - done on 6/27. I don't sleep either - I just hurt constantly!!!

Jailisa

What year was your surgery? I know with the posterior cervical spine surgery the heal time is very long....or at least it was for me. It was about the year mark when surgery pain was finally gone....they cut through muscle and it takes a long time to heal.

Sharon

Sharon - my surgery was this

Sharon - my surgery was this year. I had anterior surgery. I just cant figure out why I am still hurting this much. Friday is my 6 week check up and I am supposed to go back to work on Monday. I am taking percocet and relaflex - both strong. I cant sleep and hurt all the time. Just so frustrated.

Still early

You are still early after surgery....I can't believe you are going back to work......

Sharon