What Causes Severe Neck Pain After An ACDF Surgery?

Posted on Thu, 9 Jun 2016

Question: Hello, I'm a 42 year old woman. I had ACDF surgery 3 years ago due to C5-C7 herniated discs. Since then, the pain went away down the arm and I healed, got off the pain meds but the pain I feel touching the back of my neck daily is beyond painful. I take more than needed on regular Tyelnol, Midol, Aleve, etc each day. I've eaten healthier, lost weight, work out and the pain has remained...some Good and 1/2 bad but I use Icy Hot, ice packs and cry. I met back with my original surgeon (orthopedic), online Dr, XXXXXXX SC Neuro and an Ortho at Baylor College Medicine in XXXXXXX last summer after having new MRI/CT's done. My original surgeon said it's healed greatly and I'm good. I think he's blowing me off I feel. The other 3 Dr's said my MRI scans show that I never fused from the surgery causing the pain ongoing. My best relief is lying down but owning 2 businesses doesn't allow that to happen too often with busy work schedules and a middle schooler! I have now begun some pain in my neck down the right arm to my ring and pinky finger. Could it be another herniated disc? I fell quite hard taking lights off big tree after Xmas in January but blew it off.
What's my next option? I can take pain well but I"m back to giving up on weekend things because the pain is getting to me. I hate asking for pain pills to get through the bad days. I'm stuck and not sure what direction to go..... ???
Thanks for any insight!!!
XXXXX in South XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You might need bone grafting

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have studied your case. If neck pain is persisting then it is sugggestive that fusion is not successful in previous surgery. So you might need a repeat surgery where bone graft will be placed to increase chances of fusion.
If you do not want surgery then you need to avoid jerky activities and wear soft cervical collar. Take pain killers like Brufen and hit water fomentation.
For pain going up to hand you need to take pain killer like pregabalin at night time. It is sugggestive of herniation in neck.
I hope this answer will be useful for you. let me know if there is any other followup questions. thanks

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar