hi stiffnecked, thanks for replying. i should have followed my dr advice completely instead of being hard headed and lifting heavy abjects. i believe that could be the reason for the non fusion. do you still have any pain in your neck. what will you do about further surgery? i am really sorry that you have to go thru this. this is not something i would want to go thru again. take care of yourself and keep us posted about what you decide.