Recent cervical disk, (neck) fusion question....please....?!
Question: Ok just to get things clear before ANYONE starts saying
"DONT DO IT" This is just a question....
Today is one week since I had neck surgery on c-7 and c-6 for herniated disk....
Has anyone else had this operation out there and felt an intense urge to POP their neck ??? You know...bend it from side to side and make it do the 'crack noise'?
Just curious!!!! I'm NOT about to do it. Only wondering if its normal??? Thanks!
Answers: Ok just to get things clear before ANYONE starts saying
"DONT DO IT" This is just a question....
Today is one week since I had neck surgery on c-7 and c-6 for herniated disk....
Has anyone else had this operation out there and felt an intense urge to POP their neck ??? You know...bend it from side to side and make it do the 'crack noise'?
Just curious!!!! I'm NOT about to do it. Only wondering if its normal??? Thanks!
OH YEAH I've had that feeling. I've had 2 cervical spine fusion operations and both times I felt the exact same thing you are. You already know not to, right? That feeling will go away soon.
If you don't already have on ask your doctor for an Alpine brace and you will be a lot more comfortable and baby powder will become your best friend.
Here are a few links that I use often that you may be interested in
http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/def...
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/spinal-...
http://health.discovery.com/centers/pain...
For when you get the brace off or when you can take it off for awhile try this
Fill a gym sock up with dry rice (the cheap cooking type)
Tie off the end
Microwave on high for 60-90 seconds
Check to make sure it's not too hot
Apply to the back of your neck for about 10-15 mins.
Don't throw it away. As long as the rice stays dry you can use it over and over for months. I wouldn't try it until you get your staples out of your hip if they did the bone graft from you. It also really makes your hip feel good if you have the incision there.
E-mail me if you want to know anymore about coping with recovery or tricks to make it easier or something comes up that you need to know about.
Good luck.
I have had two cervical discectomies, the last just 2 weeks ago. What you're feeling is very normal but of course you don't do it. You can gently circle your head, tip it down and hold it back to exercise it. Everything should be slow and gentle. You probably also will feel a deep ache across the top of your shoulder area for a few weeks. This also is normal. I hope you recover as well as I am doing.
I had the cervical fusion done Oct 2000...they did c3/4,C4/5,C5/.6...taking bone graft from my hip...This was an absolute Godsend...although I was frightened beyond words, expecially since I was already experiencign partial paralysis. My chances were explained to me 50/50 ending up paralyzed....My injury being over 30years...I was definitely a challenge for my Neurosurgeon. He now calls me his little miracle~
My quality of life has definitely improved...but I do have some residual problems...BUT nothing compared to what I was suffering....The stability my neck now has is also a blessing...I even felt like one of those doggies in the back car window who's head bobs up/down all around...hahah because my neack & entire cervical area was fixated for many years...So this fusion was nothing compared to my suffering & limitations. Happily, I have a better life, in spite of residual problems. May you heal readily & feel great once you do...TRY hard NOT to test your fusion... I accidently took two falls only weeks after my fusion, but when I spoke to Neurosurgeon I promised him I didn't have a 'screw loose'!!~ haha...he had me xrayed a few times & Mri follow-ups too.. I am due back now for further consultation & xrays too...just haven't followed thru with appt's yet! I am now being treated by Rheumatologists...all meds etc are directed through the Rheumy now adays...handling my Neuropathy, neuro pain(Neuralgia), FMS/CFS/CPS & a few other doagnosis...
I am now trying to concentrate on Holistic treatments as well as herbs & high antioxidants...all of which are helping! Take care~