Anyone have spinal fusion or alternative treatment in the neck?

2021-08-10T09:24:29-04:00

I have a family member who is facing having 3 or 4 vertebrae fused and wondering what the experience will be like. Thanks.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Aug 10 at 2021 9:42 AM

2021-08-10T09:42:19-04:00

Some loss of flexibility and it depends on where in the spine it is.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Aug 10 at 2021 9:44 AM

2021-08-10T09:44:00-04:00

https://www.spine-health.com/treatment/spinal-fusion/postoperative-care-spinal-fusion-surgery

Postoperative Care for Spinal Fusion Surgery

Planning for the recovery period after lumbar spinal fusion surgery, as well as knowing what to expect, can help make the recovery process go more smoothly.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2021 10:20 AM

2021-08-10T10:20:26-04:00

My neighbor had 5 fused in his back. You won't be bending or anything heavy. No more moving furniture. He does spend time in the pool though and swims. He could've 15 pounds though

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2021 10:30 AM

2021-08-10T10:30:26-04:00

My neighbor had 5 fused in his back. You won't be bending or anything heavy. No more moving furniture. He does spend time in the pool though and swims. He could've 15 pounds though

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2021 1:00 PM

2021-08-10T13:00:39-04:00

My dad had 3 fused in his neck. Ruined his life. No movement and caused discs in his back to rupture from swiveling his back instead of his neck.
My mom had same thing. She is better.
They want to fuse c-5 c-6 and c-7 on me. Right now I won't because I am functional and can deal with it.
I do get an epidural about every 8 months and radio frequency ablasion about every 10 months for headaches. Makes a big difference

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2021 2:34 PM

2021-08-10T14:34:35-04:00

Not a good idea. I have issues with C3, C4, C6 & C7. They wanted to fuse them all together and I said hell no. I'd loose all movement in my neck and from what I hear, I'll start having lower back issues (more so than now) from turning my whole torso instead of my neck.
I have weekly visits to a chiropractor and that keeps the pain at bay. Along with an epidural every few years.

Response by CMSgt Marcus Falleaf made Aug 10 at 2021 9:50 PM

2021-08-10T21:50:45-04:00

3-levels in about 2009

Response by SPC Matt Crawford made Aug 12 at 2021 6:27 AM

2021-08-12T06:27:41-04:00

Try to avoid surg. at all cost, in My 25 years exp. as a registered Nurse it rarely works out as good as the Surgeons Promise.