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Pain in left shoulder caused by walking after acdf surgery

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Posted 10/4/2014 4:47 PM (GMT 0)
I am two weeks post acdf surgery of c5/c6 and c6/c7. The surgery went very well and I was pain free of the shooting pain down my left shoulder and arm immediately after surgery. I am wearing a soft collar and I am walking every day. A couple of days ago, my left shoulder stared to hurt as I walked and it continues to hurt when ever I walk. Is this normal? Should I stop walking?
Posted 10/4/2014 5:44 PM (GMT 0)
It's not uncommon for something that did not hurt yesterday to hurt today. That's just the nature of healing. BUT, how far are you walking, how are you holding your shoulders and arms as you walk, is the pain quickly relieved when you rest? You see there are several things to consider. I think I would back up and start over in a couple of days. Walk less, be mindful of how you hold your shoulders and arms. Some have best results keeping hands in pockets. It helped me to pull my shoulders back tightly. Are you trying to move your neck as you walk? Don't. There are several of us here who have had similar surgery. You can find other threads related to this in the Search box. One is called Useful Items for ..., and search for Taller Now. She has several detailed reports on her surgery that should help you. She's about 5 months post op now. Our motto is THINK FUSION, so just take it easy on yourself, don't overdo, and let your body heal. Ask any other questions and we will attempt to answer. We care!
Posted 10/4/2014 6:06 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Batman & welcome to the forum. You are in good company here, several of our members have recently had cervical fusions. They can probably answer many of your questions as they have plenty of recent experience. Abilene has given you some great things to think about. If it become too worrisome call your surgeon.

Whatever you do, follow the post op instructions to the letter. The surgeon has done his part now its your turn & yes what you do post op determines your recovery. Be patient, no matter how good you may feel one day, please don't attempt to do something you shouldn't, you will pay for it.

Weekends tend to be slow, people are out & about doing things. Keep checking back others will be posting. Take care.
Posted 10/5/2014 10:07 AM (GMT 0)
After surgery, all my pain was gone for 8 days and now my left shoulder pain has returned to a 4 level (1 tp 10 scale). It seems to be constant now. My doctor told me that 80 percent of people will resolve all pain after the acdf surgery. Although my pain was at a 9 level prior to surgery, I was just wondering if anyone in the forum initially resolved the pain immediately after surgery only to have the pain return at a later time.

I am new to this forum, but all the postings have been very helpful.
Posted 10/5/2014 1:23 PM (GMT 0)
I was just talking to a relative of mine last night who has had I think three fusions in the past probably 6-8 years and she told me about a very similar experience, where the pain was gone right away but came back.

With any surgery you have to remember that it's a major trauma for your body. I myself have never had any fusions but there are a ton of members here who have, so I'm sure you're going to get a lot of great advice.
Posted 10/5/2014 9:28 PM (GMT 0)
Batman, does your dr have you on a good muscle relaxer? If not, I would sure be asking for one. Muscles spasms after spine surgery are a big problem & contributor to increased pain with activity. If you are on one, I would consider calling the surgeons office & discussing this with the nurse. Not all muscle relaxers are created equal.

Are you using ice? Several members have said ice packs were one of their best friends after surgery. If you have inflammation going on, sometimes using heat will aggravate the inflammation.
Posted 10/6/2014 2:37 AM (GMT 0)
Batman,
I had days of severe pain for weeks after my surgery. Don't reach for anything and keep your elbows close to your body. You pissed something off so now you have to rest. It still happens to me, I will do something and the pain returns, rest and it goes away. Kick it down a notch or two or three......I spiraled out of pain 4 months post op on Friday night form "too much". Part of the game. Look up my posts and see if there is anything that can help you. Take it easy because the success of your surgery depends on how well you fuse and heal.
Posted 10/6/2014 6:10 PM (GMT 0)
Batman, I found the thread I wanted you to see. It's written by Think Happy. She felt better at first, then not so good later. We have not heard from her recently, so hoping she is ok now.

Your decrease in pain at first could have been partly from meds during surgery. Then those nerves that have been compromised have to wake up. That takes time and can be painful. Please don't be discouraged and think you are not going to get relief. It's way too early to know about that.

Do you have any swallowing issues like so many do who have a front incision?
Does ice give you relief?
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