Terrified of Surgery Especially Fusion
 

Has anybody out there had a cervical fusion that came out well?

From my MRI report, I have "C5-6: Severe bilateral foraminal stenosis by uncovertebral osteophytes, worst on the right. Mild central canal stenosis by posterior disc osteophyte complex."

Two and a half years ago, a spinal surgeon said I have two options: C5-6 fusion, or "live with it." This all started about three years ago with tingling in my right thumb. It's progressed to phantom cramping pain that comes and goes in various places from my right trapezius down to my fingertips. Although it's aggravating and annoying, the pain is not excruciating. I'm most concerned about permanent nerve damage.

I went through physical therapy (twice), and I've learned some techniques to make the symptoms disappear (such as pulling my head down and to the left). But it's getting worse and now I have phantom pain in my left forearm as well.

I've exhausted all noninvasive treatment alternatives, and now I'm scared to death. Throughout my entire life (until this thing started), I was very active and in exceptional shape. I'm 53 now, and I've gradually become more and more sedentary. I so want to be able to run, swim, lift weights, and engage in adventure sports again.

Is there anybody out there who's been through something similar? Has cervical fusion worked for anybody?

Thank you for the reply!
 

Thank you, Dubious, for the reply. If you're still around and have a few minutes: Are you able to do everything you could do before the surgery? Are you pain-free? Have you had to alter your lifestyle?

(If anybody else out there who's been through a cervical fusion can answer those questions, I'd love to hear from you too.)

Positive Results
 

I had a C5-C6 fusion a couple years ago due to stenosis as well. I woke up and all of the pain, tingling, numbness that I felt for years was gone. I did awaken with horrible pain on the other side of my neck and back, but it was gone after a few days (just irritation from the surgery). I went back to running and lifting weights with no pain after I was fully healed. Now I'm dealing with the same problem in my lower spine, but the surgery was a success. I was very happy that I did it! I wish you the best.

Facing cervical fusion with CRPS
 

I already have RSD for 30 yrs. Now looking at c4-5-6 fusion.
I don't know if I can go thought with it all!! Yikes......

Did the surgeon go in from the front ?
 

I was wondering if the surgeon went in from the front? The ganglion nerve is right there... How did they avoid it....??

We have the same situation
 

Would like to discuss with you, if we can..

had C5-6 and L 3-4 & 4-5 very happy with results
 

I fell and injured my back and neck. I had to do the cervical fusion very quickly because of the pain and numbness. The surgery went very well with good results. I spent the next 7 years doing PT, facet injections, massage therapy, etc. After 7 years I was having more trouble and living like someone 30 years older. That's when I decided to have the Lumbar fusion done. I did not want to have another surgery but I was not able to live an active happy life.

It is scary and dangerous. You must weigh quality of life against risk for your unique situation. If you have not tried facet or other types of steroid injections around the problem area it is a great middle ground. The injections settle down the pain and inflammation for 6-18 months. My doctor has a bad neck himself and has chosen to maintain with injections rather than surgery. The advantage of getting injections is that a good doc can pinpoint precisely where you pain is coming from. If the shots work then you know you've hit the spot.

The exact cause for pain may not show up on imaging studies. I was able to lead a much less painful and active life after the surgeries. I would do it again. Remember that technology gets better every year. The longer you can wait the more options you may have.