Thread: Cervical Spine
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Old 11-21-2011, 01:50 AM
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Dr. Smith Dr. Smith is offline
Senior Member (**Dr Smith is named after a character from Lost in Space, not a medical doctor)
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Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Lost in Space
Posts: 3,515
10 yr Member
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BradSmith View Post
Im looking for some advice pls: I have had a C5,C6 fycuin last year, now i need a C7, C8 fusion. Has anyone had it done before and any result u can share... Im nervous as hell, 1st one (C5/6) no prob but domt know bout C7/8?? Any advice or info apreciated. Ive tried everything else, physio, acupunture, cupping, sterpoid injections, nothing has worked so for!
Hi Brad, to NT.

I have significant problems from c5-c7, and my orthopedic surgeon advised against any surgery because:
  1. The success rate is so low as not to justify the risks involved (better than 50% chance/probability I would be the same or worse), and
  2. Spinal surgery often weakens the spine immediately above and below the original site, requiring more surgery within a few years.
His recommendation instead was to opt for pain management and natural healing; the spine would eventually fuse naturally on its own with less risk/complications. I'm still in some pain, but I also feel some healing has occured as well.

I think your questions might get more answers in the Spinal Disorders & Back Pain forum
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum22.html

At the very least, I would try to learn as much as you can about your current condition, the surgery proposed, and then get multiple opinions. Then if you still decide to go forward with the surgery, find out all you can about the surgeon - reputation and experience/success rate with this procedure.

Doc
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Dr. Zachary Smith
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Dr. Smith is NOT a medical doctor. He was a character from LOST IN SPACE.
All opinions expressed are my own. For medical advice/opinion, consult your doctor.
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"Thanks for this!" says:
Jomar (11-21-2011)