Spinal Cord :: ACDF Recommended For Muscle Weakness?

I was involved in a motorbike accident in June 2013. I had some shoulder pain at the time but all was well shortly after. In December of 2013, I started having shoulder blade pain which was actually C6 C7 radiculopathy . I was going for therapy and was prescribed NSAID and lyrica with no relief. In January on vacation I was riding a motor scooter and immediately noticed shooting pain down my right arm with numbness as well as neck pain. I had some of these symptoms before going on vacation but it definitely got worse while I was away. When i returned back to work, the pain became worse and I ended up going to an emergency department January 28. Up until this time I did not sleep well for over 6 weeks. The emergency room doctor had the same diagnosis, cervical radiculopathy and would not send me for a MRI but told me to go back to my Sports Med Dr to order an MRI. They also prescribed me Percocet, more NSAID, and muscle relaxants. That afternoon my Sports Dr changed to a different narcotic and ordered the MRI which I had 4 days later. The MRI showed a large right sided disc herniation c6 c7 hitting the c7 nerve root with cord compression. I was sent to a neurosurgeon on Mar 5. He reviewed the MRI and did some tests and said I have Myelopathy. He said it is a slowly progressive spinal cord injury and the goal is to stop the progression. He said tingling transitions to muscle weakness to the arms and legs and transitions to loss of function of my arms and legs.

I signed off to have an ACDF C6 C7.

My question to all is, if the pain is better but my Tricep weakness is still there along with a little bit of numbness, is the surgery still recommended? I want to continue doing all the active things I have always done including working out and riding a motorbike. There still is a little bit of pain in my neck and occasional pain in my arm but nothing like it was. I don't want to lose any strength or risk the chance of having to be in a wheelchair if I fall a certain way.

I am scheduled for surgery May 26 bit I can cancel up until I have it done.

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Back Issues :: Spinal Cord Stimulator Or Spinal Fusion Surgery?

I had back surgery in March 2013 that left me with mechanical instability, acquired spondylolisthesis and lots of pain.

I have 2 ortho spine surgeons telling me that I need a bi-level spinal fusion surgery to repair the damage, but after the botched first surgery, the thought of another surgery scares me to death. Plus, since surgery is what spine surgeons do, the recommendation seems obvious.

I also started seeing a new pain management doctor (we moved to a new state) and he is suggesting that I consider a spinal cord stimulator trial, with surgical implantation if we find that it helps the pain.

So...I'm left confused. I see the positives and negatives of each, but I'm just not sure if one makes more sense over the other. I think that my spondylolisthesis will worsen over time and could pose a threat of nerve damage, while the spinal cord stimulator is designed to mask pain and does nothing to address the instability.

I'd love to know if anyone else has faced a similar decision...or has thoughts, ideas, comments, suggestions for considering one over the other.

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Taking Gabapentin After Spinal Surgery

I had TLIF spinal surgery in 2010. Went as well as could be expected, but I have a very weak back and live with constant pain. I body won't accept strong painkillers, so was prescribed Amitriptyline. Came off them due to nose bleeds and feeling like a complete zombie. Although it was good to get a good night sleep!!! Doc then put me on Gabapentin 300 mg 3 times a day. Had no pain relief and so doc has now upped me to 600 mg 3 times a day, plus zapain in between. 

I worry about taking so much, but I need something to take the edge off my pain. I've read a lot of negative reviews about Gabapentin. Will have to see how I get on.

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Spinal Surgery :: Spondylolisthesis Grade 1 L5 S1

I am 40 and have grade 1 l5 s1 spondylolisthesis. When I read forums, all I see is people having to be on painkillers, fusion surgeries that don't work, people who can not work, have children (pregnancy) and so on because of this condition. I am so terrified I will end up in a wheelchair or without a social life. There is so little information about the condition online. Please, please, can someone give me some hope that you can live with this condition, perhaps by doing exercises, yoga, pilates etc? Please tell me I can avoid surgery, have a pregnancy to term without complications from spondy. I feel so alone. I hope all of you are having a good day.

 

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Spinal Surgery :: 2nd Radiofreq. Ablation Did Not Work

I had two RFA procedures done in 2014. This was after 3 sets of epidural spinal injections done over a year's time throughout 2013. The first RFA worked so well I was nearly pain free for 9 months. I was overjoyed to feel normal again. I have bulging discs at L4-L5 and L5-S1, causing radiculopathy and sciatica. Having had such amazing relief from the 1st RFA, when the pain started to return, I had the 2nd RFA. During the procedure, the doc had a problem at the bottom two burning sites and the pain was so bad I screamed for him to stop. He did... briefly.. but asked me to "hang on" for the 90 seconds and it would be done.

I never got relief from this second procedure...not even for one day. Fast forward to Dec 2015 and the pain is worse than ever. And I just read today that a complication of RFA is "permanent nerve pain", I was never told about this complication! I'm permanently disabled now, on SSDI and walk with a cane. Even after researching for 2 yrs. online, I just found out about this complication TODAY. Very upset. Anyone else have complications from RFA? I feel very alone in this.

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Spinal Surgery :: Fractured Facet Joint

8 months after my L1 compression fracture, another doctor (fired the first one) found out that one of the T12 facet joints is fractured (broken off in 2 pieces). I should have been operated on after the fall, but it's too late now. 

Could someone tell me what this could cause (what kind of pain)? I have local pain, and severe pain in the iliac area, after being active for a while, or after sitting for a while. 

I can sleep at night, but after 5-6hrs, I wake up because of the pain, can't continue to lay down. Very painful.

also, I still can't lay down on my back on a hard surface.

I'm scheduled for a nerve ablation T12-L1, both sides this Friday and Monday. I'm scared because of all what I read... 

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Spinal Surgery :: Foot Nerve Pain

After a L5-S1 in October, I am left with residual left foot and partial leg nerve pain. In addition to numbness, my leg aches. My MRI looks clean, but neurosurgeon referred me to neurologist for possible nerve root injections. He also suspects the it may be radial sympathetic nerve issue. If nothing else, he's willing to take hardware out to see if that helps. I keep falling with my left foot so "numb," so I am frustrated. Is the device that scrambles pain.  (can't think of it now) good for nerve pain? (Pain extends to my left lower back.) Has anyone had nerve blocks for nerve pain?  I wouldn't have had surgery if I had known my mobility would have been compromised so much.

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Spinal Surgery :: Nerve Pain In The Foot

Lisa here...Before my S1-L5 fusion, I had some foot pain caused by waiting two weeks to have a laminectomy/discectomy in my L 4 and 5 discs after a herniation (5 years ago). After my fusion - about 7 weeks ago - I have had terrible burning pain, sensations that feel like I am being bitten on a toe or have tape in between my toes. At night the pain is worse. Walking intensifies the pain and weakens my ankle and leg. I can't wear any of my shoes. Does anyone have any experience with this? I've called my neurosurgeon and he wants an x-ray. Suggestions? Comments?

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Spinal Surgery :: Post Lumbar Laminectomy

I am a 50 year old female who had lumbar laminectomy at L3/4 eight weeks ago for lumbar stenosis and spondylolisthesis. The surgeon also performed a dynamic stabilisation at this level. As I understand it, this involves the insertion of a flexible and rod and screws, similar to fusion but allowing more flexion at this level while at the same time preventing the vertebra from slipping. Prior to surgery, I was unable to walk or stand for more than 5 - 10 minutes without becoming uncomfortable because of weakness in my legs and a tight cramping sensation in my buttocks. Surgery has relieved me of these symptoms, but I now have aching in my lower back, groins and hips when standing or walking for more than 5 - 10 minutes. I wasn't given any physio follow-up after discharge from hospital, but have had a couple of sessions with a private physiotherapist. She seems to think that these pains are due to the ligaments and muscles having to stretch as my spine as been realigned and my pelvis is now tilted forwards instead of backwards as it was before. Has anyone else experienced similar pains and if so, how long did it take for them to resolve? I am also very stiff first thing in the morning and when getting up from a sitting position. I do not have any pain when sitting or lying down.

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Laminectomy :: Pain On The Feet And Calves Go Away After Spinal Surgery?

Does nerve pain on the feet and calves go away after spinal surgery? I've been suffering from burning nerve pain since my back surgery. I had a laminectomy and fusion at t22 l1.

What can I do to help. Other imaging?

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Spinal Surgery :: MRI - Mild Reversal Of The Cervical Lordosis

can anyone help me understand the medical terminology used in my spine MRI report? 

there is mild reversal of the cervical lordosis. at c 3-4 there is small right paracentral disc bulge mildly indenting the thecal sac. the cervical cord appears normal in caliber with no evidence of compression. normal caliber thoracic cord. conus medullaris terminates at the mid L1 level. there are single small T2 hyperintense foci within T1 and T12 vertebral bodies, which are inconspicuous on T1 weighted imaging, isointense to vertebral marrow, consistent with small hemangioma. 

at SI joints, there is minor subchondral sclerosis evident on the sacral side, with low grade subchondral bone marrow edema evident anteriorly.

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Spinal Surgery :: Solid Rod From Top Of Spine And To Pelvic Bone

I would like to hear from someone who has had one solid rod from top of spine and pelvis where it is attached to pelvic bone...I would like to know how it affects them and what their quality of life is like...I'm not sure if I should have this second surgery or just stay on my crutches for rest of my life...

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Spinal Surgery :: Nerver Root Injection After Dynesys

I had dynesys done from S1 to L4 back in 2011. A year or so later a screw removal was done to the right side. The original problem was because L5 disc had collapsed. New MRI has shown the L5 and L4 both degenerated and L5 disc is bulging to the right side which is causing alot of pain around to the right hip. In the last 4 weeks u have had a couple of scares and immense pain I am due to see consultant on 23Rd May I think I am gonna possibly just gonna be fobbed off with a nerve root injection I am worried it's not gonna work any advice please does anyone think that this would be the right course of action for me to take??

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Spinal Surgery :: Pain Stimulater For Occipital Neuralgia

I had this unit put in in Dem. 2013 but because of the lead trying to push through the back of my neck it had to be revised in August 2014.  Was doing great until January 19, 2016 when the lead again pushed entirely through the skin on back of my neck.  Now my insurance company will not approve for me to have another unit put back in.  I was free 90% of the time with my unit in and now I am back to having so much pain in this area.  It makes it very hard to have any quality of life except to wait around for another horrible burning pain that takes 3 mores days to overcome each time.  Has anyone else had their insurance refuse this especially when it worked great?

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Spinal Surgery :: Nevro HF10 Stimulator Implanted - Anyone?

Has anyone had the Neuro 10 implanted ?.  It's really difficult to try and figure out because there are so many different types of stimulators. I had fusions that were not successful and the Neurosurgeon at Mayo thought this might be the answer. It is fairly new on the market (2015) so it's difficult finding any reviews.

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Ankle Surgery And Bone Spur :: Spinal Vs. General Anaesthetic?

Two years ago I broke my ankle and had pins and plates put in. On Monday I am having them taken out because they are irritating my tendon. I am also having a 'bone spur' basically shaved off and they are going to 'explore' the damage done to the tendon.

When I had them put in I had a general anaesthetic, but I wasn't asked what I'd prefer. This time, at a different hospital I have been.

I don't know what to do for the best. Obviously I can talk about this when I arrive on Monday I'd just like people opinions on which they prefer and why. Or even which they think would be suitable for my surgery.

I was fine after my anaesthetic last time, no side effects etc I just think I feel more comfortable not being 'put to sleep'... just in case. I'm a bit of a worrier!

I am leaning towards opting for the spinal anaesthetic combined with a bit of sedation as I do think I may get anxious. The only thing that is putting me off is what I will hear. Obviously they will be using screwdrivers etc and the thought of hearing them and knowing what they are doing makes me feel a little queasy!

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Spinal Surgery :: Medtronic Spine Stim Exploded - Infection

I had a Medtronic spine stim put in me in 2013! Every time I turned it on I got severe burning pain and it would swell up uncontrollably!! Finally on eighth week it exploded!! I ended up in hospital for six days!! After that I have that pain 24/7!! Can't do anything without suffering badly!! Saw all kinds of doctors and they said I needed to try another one!! Against my true feelings I was skeptical and ended up putting it in!! I couldn't even use it due to the severe crippling pain it caused!! Ended up taking it out and after three years of doctors they did an mri looking to see if it burned my spinal cord!! The do to told me that no burn on spinal cord and wants me to put in new nevro hf10 system which I am worried about doing!! The pain is still 24/7!! Pain meds all day long and I still suffer badly!! I am looking for some kind of answers!! I don't know how much longer I can take the pain!! Does anyone know of anyone else that had or has this problem?? I am at my end here!! This is ruining every part of my life!! Lost most of my friends as back so bad I can't go any where!! Not even to dinner,cookout or any kind of event!

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Hip Socket Pain And Buttocks Post Spinal Fusion ALIF Surgery

I am a 40 year old male that has had two back surgeries. First Surgery February 2014 Lumbar Spine Posterior Discectomy Micro-discectomy on L4 & L5. Surgery failed no improvement. My Second surgery March 2015 Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (alif) surgery on L4, L5, & S1 with cage implants and bone grafts harvested from my own hip bone. I experience sciatica on my right leg and most frequent on left leg ;shooting pain down my right/left hip/buttocks, goes down the back of the leg. The last 3 years left foot numbness. My worst pain is in bed getting up is very painful. Before my ALIF surgery I suffered from sciatica foot numbness and pain in mostly my left leg region. After 6 weeks post ALIF surgery or so I started getting pain in my buttock/hip region. This actually started during my physical therapy. At first I was doing water therapy this is when it started. My last day of water therapy I was literally about to go to ER from P.T clinic. From there on it just had gotten worst, no real improvement. I went back for more P.T sessions stretching and other exercises . What Physical Therapist did notice that my hip motion was very limited and not much improved happen during all my sessions about 40 or so. Its being about 10 months after surgery and 4 months of P.T. and pain on hips doesn't go away. I have to be careful going up or down stairs. Getting out of bed or moving around in bed its a battle. I have spoken to my surgeon and he says it will take more time for recovery and possible have to live with this pain as a fact of life. I have also spoke to other doctor s and pretty much same response. Once thing I just found out recently is about Hip Bursitis. I was diagnosed with Arthritis. My surgeon keeps on saying its my Arthritis causing pain but prior to ALIF surgery I never had this buttocks pain , specially getting in and out bed. I was wondering if anyone has had same symptoms after spinal fusion surgery having Hip Pain From Arthritis or Hip Bursitis?

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2 Surgeries But Unable To Straighten Knee - MRI Clear

I had a scope three years ago. Knee wouldn't straighten out and had difficulty walking( I played volleyball but nothing traumatic happened ), they found I had a discoid meniscus and took out a lot of inflamed tissue to "clean it out". After surgery was able to straighten my knee and was back to normal. A year later I started having the same issues(no sports this time, just running), so another scope and they removed more inflamed tissues and a small mass (tested negative for anything ) . Was good for about a year after surgery, am now having the same problem. MRI never showed anything the past couple of years, can't figure out what's going on

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