You might not have a “natural fusion” as one of the components of radiculopathy (symptoms in the arm which you exhibit) is motion of the vertebra which can pinch the nerve with extension (bending backwards). If you really do have a fusion of C4-6 and have nerve compression, there are two possibilities for surgery.
If the fusion is only partial (not the entire disc is fused but there are some “spot welds” only), you should consider an ACDF, a fusion with a graft from the front of the neck. It is not too hard to “take down” spot welds, restore the disc space height (which opens the foramen) and fuse the two vertebra with a graft.
If the fusion involves the entire disc space and would be a great challenge to “undo the fusion”, a posterior foraminotomy can be performed to open the nerve hole and decompress the nerve root. This is somewhat less effective but still considered a viable option for pain relief.
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.
