You are correct in that a C1-2 fusion is a somewhat altering experience. However, patients that need this surgery are in danger of becoming paralyzed due to upper neck instability or suffer severe neck pain and headaches due to severe degeneration.
This surgery does not reduce neck range of motion by 80%. You have been hearing false assumptions regarding a C1-2 fusion. The normal C1-2 joint is responsible for 50% of rotation of the cervical spine. A fusion will reduce rotation by 50%. However, many patients who undergo this surgery are already restricted in this motion by disease of this joint.
The statements “being at a drastically higher risk for stroke post surgery” and “not being able to lift more than 20 pounds even after a year of recovery” are not true and a product of lack of understanding of this surgery.
I have a patient now who has currently instability of the C1-2 joint and is at risk of stroke without surgery. The vertebral artery winds around the C1-2 joint and in this individual, when he turns his head, he cuts off the artery and becomes nauseous and dizzy due to the blood loss to the base of the brain. WIthout surgery, he will have a stroke.
I have many patients who lift up to 100 pounds after a C1-2 fusion so your other comment is misinformed.
You are welcomed to use prolotherapy for whatever you so choose as long as you understand the risks vs. rewards. My issue is your misinformation regarding surgery and the risks of prolotherapy in such a dangerous area.
This site is dedicated to correct information. You are obviously free to choose what you wish but you should go into any treatment with realistic information so you can make an informed decision.
Dr. Corenman
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.