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Old 01-14-2014, 06:43 PM
ginnie ginnie is offline
Elder
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Anna Maria Island Florida
Posts: 6,278
10 yr Member
ginnie ginnie is offline
Elder
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Anna Maria Island Florida
Posts: 6,278
10 yr Member
Default Hello Brieeannt

Welcome to Neuro Talk. None of us are doctors, but we sure listen to each other and pick up a lot of information on this site. I have had two cervical fusions and I do know how much these spine issues hurt. Often the surgery prevents further trouble. It doesn't always take away the pain.

Your 2014 MRI, at C3-4, you only have Mild issues. There is no cord impingement or central canal compression. When the cord is compressed, that is what they worry about.
Where you were fused before, would be my guess, is why you still are experiencing pain. At C5-7 where your hardware is, there is still mild to moderate narrowing. Your surgeon most likely did the best he could do with those vertebra. You healed OK in that area. The issue is, not everyone gets the best pain relief from that procedure.
Unless the others above fail, and you herniate compressing the cord, most neuro surgeons won't do much about it.
It would be a good idea to take the MRI to another neuro surgeon, or orthopedic surgeon for a second opinion.

Jo*Mar, is one of our moderators, and she may be able to tell you a bit more than I can. I would try PT, maybe even acupuncture.
I have had two spinal fusions. Now C3-7. I go to PT regularly, as much as I can each year. I also do the Japanese acupuncture, which has already helped me a bit. I do have pain killers, if and when I over do the activities. I also do what PT I can do at home.

Do not hurry to try to get more surgery. You would lose more mobility being fused further. I do have issues with driving. To look over my shoulder at traffic, I have to undo the seat belt and actually turn around. Pain for me is by degrees, and I keep it under control.

Have you seen a pain specialist? The one I go to thinks outside the box and was trained at Harvard in acupuncture. She also is the one who prescribes meds. when I need them. This type of doctor I see is called a physiatrist. Maybe call around to see if there is one in your area who treats for pain. Try all therapies.

There is another kind of shot or infusion called Ketamine. Sometimes pain specialists are trained with this. I had this done between my surgeries. It worked for 4 -5- months and gave great pain relief. ( It did not hurt to get the infusion)

If you are not sure who to see for help, ask your primary care physician for his recommendation of what you can do.
I will be here if you ever need to talk. I know it is scary to have these problems. I hope there will be some relief for you. Don't give up.
Ginnie
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