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ACDF cause Dowager hump?

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Chronic Pain
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Posted 7/22/2019 1:55 PM (GMT 0)
I had Cervical spine fusion of two levels a little over 5 weeks ago. I notice now there is a hump at the base of my neck and looking stuff up it sounds like a dowager's hump. Wearing this collar for all these weeks I am definitely holding my head in a more forward position. Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this or if it goes away?
Posted 7/22/2019 6:13 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Pinkflamingo & welcome to the forum. You are still pretty fresh from surgery. Of course none of us re drs here, but I would be willing to bet this hump is swelling & muscle spasms. Our cervical post op members use ice packs to help with swelling & pain. They claim the ice packs are one their first go to things. Bring it to your drs attention at your next appointment. In the meantime, give ice packs a try.

The hump you are speaking about is something that happens over time & is caused by many different things. It would not happen in this short of time. I'm not sure what your instructions were when you were given the brace. Some drs have patients wear one, but the current trend many drs do not. They say the braces can cause muscles to weaken. I suspect at 6 weeks your dr will take you out of the brace.

Take care.
Posted 7/24/2019 4:07 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you Susie. I am hoping it is just swelling and such, but it's so gross smile I have my next appointment on Monday and will ask there. I do assume that I will be able to stop wearing the brace after that appointment and start physical therapy. My doctor was having me wear it for 6 weeks. I can take it off if I am just sitting at home or in the shower, but otherwise I have to wear it. Getting on the backside of 5 weeks now and I am definitely ready to stop wearing this thing.

I do have soreness and spasms on the back of my neck and down my shoulders, so hopefully this will get better as I heal and the hump will go away.
Posted 7/24/2019 4:39 PM (GMT 0)
Do you have muscles relaxers to take? If not, by all means call & request some now. Please use ice packs on your neck. Heat is not a good idea because things are already inflamed inside & applying heat can make it worse. I bet that the surgeon takes you out of the brace when you see him.

Take care.
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