HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

4 level cervical fusion

Support Forums
>
Chronic Pain
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 12/9/2022 1:49 AM (GMT 0)
I was told yesterday that I need 4 level cervical fusion, but at 43 it would cause degeneration in the healthy disc's of my neck. I guess my question is what happens after you have a second fusion surgery to fix that generation caused by the first surgery. I want the surgery to ease my pain and symptoms, but am scared because I am relatively young. Anyone with experience or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Posted 12/9/2022 5:24 PM (GMT 0)
Hello brightscience. This is a part of the potential risks/complications that drs have to tell patients whether it's neck or back surgery. Surgery of any kind is scary, however, this can possibly happen to individuals that has existing problems at levels that do not meet the requirements for surgery. The surgery may or may not put additional stress on those areas. No one can give a 100% guarantee on this.

What type of dr are you treating with? Have you had a 2nd opinion? I always suggest when surgery is recommended that people get a 2nd opinion, preferably with the best neurosurgeon they can find. I have many personal friends that has had neck & back surgery, all used neurosurgeon, including my husband.

Sorry for the questions, ask all of the questions you want, I will do my best to help you any way I can.
Posted 12/9/2022 5:38 PM (GMT 0)
I have a great well-respected neurosurgeon. He wanted me to know that a second surgery is potentially going to happen from the stress on my neck after the first surgery. That concerns me because where does that stress land after that second surgery? My spine? Also, the swallowing thing terrifies me. It is a fear I have now before the surgery. I haven't had a second opinion, but with my pain, I am leaning toward having the fusion surgery.
Posted 2/20/2023 5:15 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Bright,

You have another post on this subject which I gave a bit of advice. Usually the stress affects the levels above or below the fused section. I am living proof that this happens. Only thing is my surgeon did not tell me this might happen. I set an appointment with my surgeon which he said
"You are right on time". I said what "are you talking about? He said "I usually see a large percentage of my patients about four to five years after their first fusion needing lower levels fused now". Lucky me I guess.

If I can help ask me anything.

Best of luck
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply