Chronic neck/shoulder issues 6 yrs after ACDF
 

Hello, I'm a new member and am hoping to find people who may be having similar troubles, as I'm desperate for help. I had an Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion in 2014 and then did therapy to regain strength in my right arm. The myelopethy I was having stopped right after the surgery, so I know it was successful. However, ever since then I've had chronic problems with my neck and shoulders. All the muscles from my head, neck, shoulders, and some in upper back are stiff, sore, and often painful to the touch every day. I have headaches every day. Pretty sure my neck does not have the natural curve it's supposed to have. I see a pain management doctor who will only prescribe me Duloxetine and muscle relaxers, which help some but not near enough. I've tried EVERYTHING from several different types of pillows, different mattresses, every muscle rub/spray/gel out there, neck massagers, traction devices, etc etc. I just finished a treatment plan with an Airrosti therapist and had no improvement so I was discharged. I have now developed TMJ issues that I think are related and my jaw hurts all the time now too. I'm at my wit's end, I'm 37 years old and scared that I'm going to have to live this way for the rest of my life. HELP!

Don't give up on all treatment providers just because one kind didn't help..
Some providers & techniques are more helpful than others..

* Have you had any recent imaging to check for any changes or new issues? If not that might be worth a look..
Some fusions can fail above or below the area..:(
or something new is happening..

If no new cause is found..
IFc stim?
low level (cold/soft) laser?

Did the Airrosti do any additional "hands on" massage or other modalities like ultrasound, trigger point /muscle work, posture /head/neck work?

Welcome Chrissy1983.:Wave-Hello:

Thank you! The Airrosti therapist focused on soft tissue so all the work they did was muscle work. But he said normally he sees significant results right away but I had very little improvement. He thought that maybe there's something underlying that may be keeping my body from fighting the inflammation.

I did one session of child laser therapy at the vet clinic I work at, because we use laser therapy on a lot of pets. It felt good but I'm unable to do more there on a regular basis.

I have considered an mri but my pain mgmt doctor told me she doesn't think my symptoms are indicative of anything that might show up on an mri.

I did go to an internal medicine doctor day before yesterday for an overall health check and lots of blood work so I'm hoping that results might give us some insight. I've increased water intake, cut way back on sugar, and am trying to be very conscious of my posture.

I've also tried tens therapy the past few weeks but my muscles are so stiff that it irritated them more than helped them. I'm definitely not giving up, I just wonder if anyone else who has had this surgery are having the same or similar issues.

So you haven't had any imaging since the Cervical Discectomy and Fusion in 2014?

Things can change in that time frame..I'm surprised the dr wouldn't want to rule in/out that possibility first..

I only did a quick look at Airrosti, I thought they did chiropractic too..Maybe it depends on the clinic /provider..
A very good chiro might be worth seeing for an evaluation.. some specialize in TMJ also..
They should require X ray or imaging before treating you...

We do have a Back & Spinal forum, or try our site search for past posts on fusion , discectomy.