Question: I just had C4-5 & C6-7 ADCF- 5 days ago- starting yesterday I began having these strange "shunting" type upper back-lower neck spasm-type "episodes"- primarily if I am moving from sitting to standing position. My body's reaction to the "spasm" is to immediately stick my chest out- which stops the spasm- and I get immediate relief. I say "spasm" becoz it goes from tip of shoulder - up into nape of neck- and down to bottom of shoulder blades in like an inverted triangle configuration, and is almost "electrical"- like spinal cord compression- and seems to cover a certain dermatome area- altho it's not a skin feeling (eg parathesis)- its deep and feels muscular and nerve-related.CORRECTION- my surgery was C5-6 & C6-7. Removing C5 & C6 disc and replacing them with cadaver bone and applying plastic brace stabilizer- fusing all 3 vertebral structures together- with 6 screws.

The shoulders are apparently pinned back for procedure- so different types of muscle pain s could be expected- but this started suddenly and it wasn't until yesterday. Now I can't get up from toilet or reach down and scratch my dogs with a jolt-shock and muscular in sync type event.

And I realize all the conditions you will be required to put on any info you share- but if u can cut to minimum- that would be appreciated- I know a lot- I just want your opinion. Anything I did differently because of it- would not be more 30-40 % due to your opinion- I am the captain of this ship.

I wanted you to know I am PhD psychologist now- but worked as a medical social worker for 30 years- I have advanced knowledge about the spinal cord and all body systems for that matter. I am assuming that the strange unsettling spasm-type-shunting-pain is due to cervical structure impinging a spinal nerve/bunch of spinal nerves. I'm just wanting your opinion as to which one- would it be C5?

does this spasm imply irritation of the spinal cord or just spinal nerves. It seems like it must be a "reflexive" "plex" of muscles/nerves. I would guess C5-6 but my fear is brace screw is impinging spinal cord when I move in certain ways..eg when I put my head forward - like when getting up from sitting position.

Thank you!

Thank you for your response- but I am not in hospital and actually never was- it is an outpatient procedure in this country- nor do I have access to MD/surgeon and won't see until August 23 follow-up appointment. What I wanted from you was something I could use to call and get attention. otherwise I will just be told "its part of the healing process" and "you can discuss with MD during follow up appointment".

What I wanted from you was something I could use to get some attention from him- like" "that particular sensation can be/is sometimes attributed to a
T3 myelopathy or spondylopathy.". Is there something like that you could say. I that point I might get surgeon to order a CT scan. So, guestion is- is it like Rhomboid muscle strain and spasm causes upper back pain between the shoulder blades- or is it stenosis of T3 with impingement of spinal cord- causing spasms?.
Thank you.