First, the diagnosis has to be verified. You are assuming that the pain that resulted in the C4-5 ACDF was generated from the C5 nerve. Did you have a SNRB (selective nerve root block) to verify that this was the level of the pain generator? Did you have the shoulder looked at? Did other levels possibly cause this pain?
The C5 nerve will cause pain into the shoulder and down 1/2 way to the elbow (potentially). Does this match the previous diagnosis? See https://neckandback.com/conditions/symptoms-of-cervical-nerve-injuries/ to understand what a C5 nerve will cause in regards to symptoms.
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.
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.