[Rozy56]

#22705

I’m 9 weeks post C-5,C-6 C-6,C-7 ACDF. So far all is going well. I had gone to 4 surgeons before deciding on which surgeon and proceedure to use. All surgeons agreed that there is moderate to significant degenerative changes throughout my spine. The operative reported that the disc space for levels operated was virtually obliterated due to significant bone spur formation. The surgeon said that there was minimal disc at those levels. I have stenosis, bulging discs and significant facet changes.

What can I do to reduce the chances of developing adjacent segment problems?

[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#22706

Your two levels fused in the ACDF (C5-7) were most likely already so degenerative (“The operative reported that the disc space for levels operated was virtually obliterated due to significant bone spur formation”) that it is unlikely the surgery would have hastened adjacent segment disease (ASD). ASD is both biomechanical (degenerative segments or fusion or both) increasing stress on the next segment and genetic (the reason your two degenerative segments became degenerative in the first place).

Discs are just like shock absorbers on a car. Since they are avascular (no blood supply), injury to the discs are cumulative. The more impact and stress you place on them, the more chance they have to degenerate. I would avoid significant impact sports (running, tennis) and moderate the sports you participate in (skiing soft snow and not icy bumps).

Dr. Corenman

PLEASE REMEMBER, THIS FORUM IS MEANT TO PROVIDE GENERAL INFORMATION ON SPINE ANATOMY, CONDITIONS AND TREATMENTS. TO GET AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS, YOU MUST VISIT A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL IN PERSON.
 
Donald Corenman, MD, DC is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. Trained as both a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Corenman earned academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and his research on spine surgery and rehabilitation has resulted in the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles and two books.

[Rozy56]

#22753

Thank you for your response. My exercise is typically walking on flat ground and swimming. My knees are also bone and bone so I avoid high impact activities

[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#22756

You then have a “canary in the coal mine” set of knees that will tell you if you “overdo it”. Walking on flat ground and swimming are both fine. You can reduce the wear of your cervical discs even more if you use a racing snorkel while you swim. This reduces the rotation of the neck to clear the face out of the water.

Dr. Corenman

PLEASE REMEMBER, THIS FORUM IS MEANT TO PROVIDE GENERAL INFORMATION ON SPINE ANATOMY, CONDITIONS AND TREATMENTS. TO GET AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS, YOU MUST VISIT A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL IN PERSON.
 
Donald Corenman, MD, DC is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. Trained as both a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Corenman earned academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and his research on spine surgery and rehabilitation has resulted in the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles and two books.

[Rozy56]

#22765

The canary is a good way to frame it. I have to have a sense of humor. The snorkel is an interesting idea.

What kind of PT activities are good….should be avoided? IE Posture strengthening muscles for posture, deep tissue work, range of motion?

Thank you for your insights and providing reliable information

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