[Hi tiger bear, you are right at the time I remember that happening to me, about 3 or 4 weeks post op. got those spasms. I was given soma just to take when they accur, knocked the spasms down and cut the pain all at once. Maybe you doctor would give just a few for then this occurs. I had taken off my collar the same way, same timing. You are doing just fine. It will continue to get better and better each week....ginnie

Hi frenchfri1003, I am scheduled in less than two weeks for disk replacement/fusion at C4/5, 5/6 and 6/7. I am getting more terrified every day. I'm wondering if I am going to panic last minute and not have it done. I have read so many posts from people who did not think it was worthwhile. Do you have any suggestions for me to ease my fear since you sound as if you had good results. Thanks, ABBB

Hello

I have had pain in shoulder as a deep ache and then going down arm and into thumb and fingers cramping. Neck pain with bulging disc in all cervical areas but the main one touching or abutting the spine is C5 C6. I also went to ortho doctor about mid back pain around or between shoulder blades which I have had for over a year and no one has been able to see what was causing it except this doctor. The arm, shoulder and hand/palm pain only started about a month ago. I thought I had carpal tunnel. It bothers me and it feels numb sometimes off and on during the day but my hand (left) is killing me the most..cramping and mid thoracic area.

This orth doctor said it is all coming from my C5 C6. Is this true? I can see the shoulder, arms etc but the mid back at shoulder blades around T6. Should I get an ortho guy that specializes in cervical or spine or neurosurgeon. I am in Texas so if anyone could email a private message and recommend a top notch surgeon I would be willing to travel. I have good insurance. I am afraid because I do have adrenal insuffciency and two other autoimmune diseases. I have had surgeries with these but still I am reading not so good about these Peek Anterior Cervical Surgeries...Any information would be greatly appreciated. God Bless us all with chronic pain..

"It's frustrating to me that man can put a robot on Mars, harness nuclear energy, invent jets that fly 10-times faster than the speed of sound, predict a lunar eclipse 100 years from now to the minute; BUT they can't make one's pain go away. "

Linda:

Hi Linda, Welcome.

This might have been a New Thread (button in upper left of forum screen) but we're not too picky here.

Pain can be telegraphed to places far from its actual origins, so it's possible, but so are some other things.

Have you looked at/into Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS)? We have a forum dedicated to that condition.

Myofascial Pain Syndrome and Fibromyalgia (which also has its own forum) are two other possibilities.

Doc

Hello

I am new to this forum and was wondering their are other options as my spine doc just said fusion at C5/C6 . I have herniated bulge up against spine causing
Mid back pain, shoulder, arm pain with mild numbness and tingling numbness in hand.

I just feel that from what I have read that this fusion of any kind is not worth it. It appears that everyone is worse after surgery

What to do? I want to get 2nd opinion but do not know of any good neurosurgeons in Texas. Does anyone know of the top. Neurosurgeons that
Perform this surgery. I can travel! Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Linda

I do know first hand how scarry this is. When I found this site I was in the exact place you are in now. I had my second fusion C3-7 20 months ago. I am doing fine. In my case, I had good results, way less pain than what I experienced before this second fusion. I was panicked, crying, and unable to get a grip until I started talking to people here. If this surgery is truely needed, and you have gotten all the opinions necessary to be sure, go ahead and try to get the relief. It did work for me, and I had seriously reversed the curve of my spine as well. I am on a low dose of meds for two seperate conditions, and am getting along just fine. Please know we are here for you. if there is any specific question you need, just ask. somebody will certainly answer you. I do wish you all the best. Try to be calm. It is easier said than done I do know! I will listen any time you need me. Neuro Talk was created just for this kind of medical need. Lots of good folks. You will make a friend or two also. Have a good Valentines day, and do something nice for yourself. ginnie

Welcome to Neuro Talk. You are right. There have been many outcomes from this surgery. Much is said that is negative, but I want to be the positive one as mine turned out OK after the first one failed. Saying this, I didn't do all my homework about my first fusion. When the words MILD are used to describe your condition, and there is no intrusion on to the spinal cord, or cord compression, then maybe surgery shouldn't be an option. Only if it is severe to warrent the proceedure. I did have the words SEVERE in my first MRI all over the place. I had later what was called the domino effect. Much in the spine was not addressed the first time. Asking your doctors the condition of the vertrebre above and below the site of issue is always a good Idea. I was told after the first fusion that all was done that could be done....wrong.... I should have gone for the second opinion at that time. I was too much in pain and too much in a hurry to be rid of the pain. Ask all the questions about your particular condition. Do get those opinions too. I wish you all the best in what happens with your spine. ginnie

I live just south of Tampa Bay in Bradenton. I could recommend the doctor I saw in a heart beat. He is the second best under Dr. King, who is the top neuro surgeon in the west coast area. My Dr.s Name is Dr. Kevin Boyer. He has a terrific bedside mannor which is rare. He also has an extreme amount of compassion. His nurse however is rather stiff lipped. Truthfully I never want another fusion, but if I had to, I would go back to Dr. Boyer. I found him to be my favorite doctor out of 5 differnet disiplines. Look him up on the internet as being In Bradenton, and see what his credentials are. He is indeed a top rated neuro surgeon with a heck of an education. ginnie

Hi Linda,

There are (at least, that I now know of) three different procedures for herniated discs. I mentioned them in this post:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/post850348-15.html

If a fusion absolutely needs to be done, you may not be a candidate for the less invasive procedures; this would be something to discuss with your doctors.

Pain Management may have alternative therapies to offer, depending on your particulars - every case is unique. They generally start with the less invasive things like physical therapy (finding the right knowledgable therapist is important here too), traction, TENS... and depending on results, may have to move up to acupuncture, injections, medications... and eventually perhaps SCS or Pain Pump - before resorting to surgery. (My list of possibles is not all-inclusive.)

The numbers (success rates) are arguable, but you tend to hear more of the horror stories online because the successes don't generally post on support groups - they don't need to.

On finding a neuro in Texas, try googling: neurosurgeon ratings texas

Doc

Hi, I am scheduled for ACDF next Tuesday at C4/5, C5/6 and C6/7 "with cage." I'm not sure what that means. I live alone and had been told by my NS that he would be able to get me into a nursing facility for a while post-op (I'm 66), but, yesterday, he told me that he cannot arrange for the nursing facility. I am terrified and thinking about canceling/postponing my surgery. I would have home health, but most of the time, I would be alone. Any advice from people who have had this surgery? Thanks