Had c5-c6 fusion nov 2003. Had little to no discommfort besides the usual post op pain. Last week I began having pain in neck and in right shoulder blade. This is the opposite side of body that I origially had pain/numbness on before the surgery.

I do understand that with fusion, causes more pressure on discs above and below it. No, pain down the arm YET....should I be worried? Or, just continue taking it easy and ice/heat?

Hi!

I wouldn't panic yet but keep an eye on it. I had fusion surgery on C5-C6 02/02/04. My left arm pain, which sent me to surgery in the first place, was gone immediate after surgery and never came back. However, about a month after surgery I developed severe pain in the right upper back and shoulder, eventually radiating down my right arm. This side had been pain-free up to this point and I really thought something was wrong. My ns assurred me that the nerves were just really irritated from all the work they did as well as the forming of scar tissue as part of the healing process and that it would get better. It finally has, but has taken another two months. Of course, if your pain gets really bad you should see your Dr. right away, but at this point you might want to give it a little time. I found heating pads and stretches to be helpful with the shoulder pain.

CTmom, thanks so much for your input. :) I'm hoping it's just residual/adjustment discomfort. Since the surgery, i've moved to Florida from NYC and have not heard the best things about FL dr's. So, I'm not looking forward to see any of them. I'm actualy originally from CT and had my fusion done there. Had it done at St. Mary's hospital in waterbury by Dr. Karnasiewicz and Dr. Bartolomei. They are some of the best Neuro dr's that i have come across.

Is your discommfort pretty intense? Neck burning and inflamed?

tx again!