[jayd10033]

#34996

Hello Doctor,

I had C5-C7 ADR in November. Total pain relief and resolution of weakness a few weeks after surgery.

I am now noting a familiar ache in the left scapular area and part of neck, but no weakness in arm as before.

Should I be worrying about new herniation or issues with the implants? Or is it normal following this surgery to occasionally still have an ache that comes and goes? It’s been about a week now.

Thanks you.

[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#34997

Some return of pain that is not intense or radiulopathic may just be some mild settling of the disc prosthesis and nothing to worry about. I would give symptoms another 1-2 weeks before any work-up is considered.

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.

[jayd10033]

#35002

Thanks – so I was at my ortho for a follow-up to my lumbar fusion (all good there for now!) – and mentioned my neck. We took x-rays, they were picture perfect in terms of disc placement. But the ache and some non painful/non-weakness sensation exists in my arm.

I am really nervous (and frustrated) because I went through this whole double disc replacement and now am having issues again.

It’s been about 3 weeks at this point with neck/scapular ache. At this point, unless there is loss of function, there is now way I would consider more surgery, I think I’d rather just live with the discomfort and hope I can learn to ignore it.

What would you advise as next steps? More imaging? Would cortisone help?

Thanks,
J.

[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#35003

I still think give it some time but if you want to work it up, flexion/extension lateral x-rays and a CT scan would be the next step.

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.

[jayd10033]

#35004

Thank you. The lateral flexion, extension xrays looked perfect. I’ll see if they recommend a CAT scan. MRI is not good with ADR’s if I recall correctly. I’ll keep you posted!

[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#35005

Great!

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.

[Author]

Posts