Viewing 6 posts - 19 through 24 (of 87 total)
  • Author
    Posts
  • Donald Corenman, MD, DC
    Moderator
    Post count: 8656

    Every surgeon probably has their own post-surgical protocol. Mine for a posterior fusion of the cervical spine is a collar for 6-8 weeks (depending upon the quality of fixation based upon my experience in surgery).

    Wearing a collar does make getting around somewhat more difficult. You can’t easily look down so stairs or obstacles around the house can be a challenge. Driving while in a collar is not allowed so friends will have to get you around. Shopping for groceries has to be performed by friends (who can transport you to and from the store).

    See the section under “Driving test after neck surgery” for a full explanation of when it is safe to drive.

    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.
    carolns
    Participant
    Post count: 88

    Yes there is so much good info there and I have been reading and learning so much. Doctor have you ever heard of this before?

    What does this mean please?
    impression
    There is a 5m anterolistheses of c2=c3 associated with mild to moderate spinal canal stenosis.

    I got my family doctor to try me on Ativan 1mg for stress and to my amazement my neck isn’t hurting as much and the pins and needles are slowing down. I am hoping this keeps up and maybe even if my flexion/xrays are not good maybe I won’t need to have a operation.

    Maybe they can watch me or if I get worse call them. Have you ever heard of this? Maybe wishful thinking. Thanks again Carol

    Donald Corenman, MD, DC
    Moderator
    Post count: 8656

    C2-3 5mm anterolisthesis is another term for a degenerative spondylolisthesis if C2-3.

    Ativan is a benzodiazapine which relaxes muscles and reduces anxiety. It does nothing to change the mechanics of your neck.

    I am concerned about this slip at C2-3 with the cord compression. Could you live with this? Possibly but with some risk. You would need to weigh the risks of living with this disorder vs. the risks and benefits of surgery.

    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.
    carolns
    Participant
    Post count: 88

    Yes I am in a hard place…..the doctor said the pain may get worse with surgery and I would not want to live like this….no quality of life, but without surgery I could be paralyzed. Can you tell me what risks I would have without surgery? I go for walks and a little driving…..If I was paralyzed I would not want life support etc…I am having the flexion xrays Aug7 so I will see what they say…..if I was your patient would you recommend surgery or get checked once a year?

    ..this is what I needed to know??Any thoughts would be appreciated.
    You would need to weigh the risks of living with this disorder vs. the risks and benefits of surgery…… Thank you doctor so much
    Carol

    Donald Corenman, MD, DC
    Moderator
    Post count: 8656

    This slip of C2 on C3 is significant and probably should be addressed surgically. The surgeons comment that the pain might get worse with surgery is an unusual comment but maybe was taken out of context. In any surgery, symptoms “may get worse” but it is highly unusual that pain will increase after surgery. After all, this segment not only puts your cord at risk but probably causes upper cervical pain. Fusion of this segment should reduce your neck pain.

    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.
    carolns
    Participant
    Post count: 88

    I will let you know how my flexion/xrays are on Aug 7 and I do feel better if I need surgery for c2-3 as I understand it better with you breaking it down for me. I am a fighter and I will get through anything…had breast cancer, cervical cancer, bowel resection and more and I am not going to give up. What makes it hard at 72 is losing my hubby 2 yrs ago and he was such great support but, I am woman and strong.
    Dr Corenman I can’t thank you enough….you must have a amazing mother.
    God Bless Carol

Viewing 6 posts - 19 through 24 (of 87 total)
  • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.