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This Past Thursday Morning (7-18-19) I Had A Cervical Fusion
Question: This past Thursday morning (7-18-19) I had a cervical fusion on my C5, C6, and C7. I have some difficulty swallowing which they said is expected. I also still have aching pains at times in my left shoulder and lower neck which I had pre op for months. Can some of the same symptoms occur post op as I had preop? If so, do they generally eventually go away? I am taking Norco and Flexerile for now as needed.
Brief Answer:
Yes,the symptoms generally go away.
Detailed Answer:
Hello
I have gone through your query and understood your concern.
Cervical fusion is a surgery to remove a herniated or degenerative disc in the neck.
This surgery is an option if physical therapy or medications fail to relieve your neck or arm pain caused by pinched nerves.
You should know that ,necessary after your anterior cervical fusion, Your complete full recovery could take three to six months.
It is too early to have real results 3-4 days after surgery.
Results take several months,and result vary based on a number of each particular patients' circumstances.
Most patients after this type of surgeri complain more of a sore throat and Pain in-between the shoulder blades, that last for weeks after the surgery.(like in your case)
This symptoms are very common and usually not a cause for concern.
Your pain killers(Norco) and the muscle frelaxant(Flecxerile) may be necessary for a couple of weeks or months,post op.
Anyway,in your circumstances,i want to underline that this surgery has a high success rate.
Studies indicate that the patient's pain is improved approximately 70% after spinal fusion surgery and approximately 80% of patients undergoing spinal fusion surgery are satisfied with the surgical result.
So,Don"t worry!
Hope i have clarified your doubts.
Best regards.
Yes,the symptoms generally go away.
Detailed Answer:
Hello
I have gone through your query and understood your concern.
Cervical fusion is a surgery to remove a herniated or degenerative disc in the neck.
This surgery is an option if physical therapy or medications fail to relieve your neck or arm pain caused by pinched nerves.
You should know that ,necessary after your anterior cervical fusion, Your complete full recovery could take three to six months.
It is too early to have real results 3-4 days after surgery.
Results take several months,and result vary based on a number of each particular patients' circumstances.
Most patients after this type of surgeri complain more of a sore throat and Pain in-between the shoulder blades, that last for weeks after the surgery.(like in your case)
This symptoms are very common and usually not a cause for concern.
Your pain killers(Norco) and the muscle frelaxant(Flecxerile) may be necessary for a couple of weeks or months,post op.
Anyway,in your circumstances,i want to underline that this surgery has a high success rate.
Studies indicate that the patient's pain is improved approximately 70% after spinal fusion surgery and approximately 80% of patients undergoing spinal fusion surgery are satisfied with the surgical result.
So,Don"t worry!
Hope i have clarified your doubts.
Best regards.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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