just had acdf, confused about these sysmptoms

[aspen2cody]

06/05/2004 I woke up with sharp pain in my left shoulder blade area which progessively got worse. The pain started down my arm and into my hand(no numbness). But the worse pain was in my medial deltoid muscle. After chriropractor, accupunture, steroid packs the doc sent me have mri which showed left posterolateral disc extrusion at C5-C6 with cord contact. I then went to 2 NS both said I need cervical fusion. I chose the one that everyone recommended( nurses,dentists, my chiro,my PT, etc. at least 15 people)I had the surgery on 09/13/2004. Finally, My question is I have numbess below my chin all the way down to my incision.( Is this normal?) My trapezius muscle all the way across the top of both shoulders hurts like crazy. Its really tight and hurts when I am on the computer or just going for my walks. Also it feels like my left shoulder is very unstable like its seperated or something. I also have pain under my left arm that radiates to my chest muscle sometimes.I am 43yrs old. I was very active person before that lifted weights everyday and ran.I had been doing this routine or something similiar for the last 20yrs. I am scared to death I will never be the same. Has anyone else had these symptons?

[aspen2cody]

The numbness under the chin to the incision really has me worried has anyone expierenced that? thank you for any comments

[dennisgb]

Hi,

I had ACDF C5-6 and C6-7 on 06/30/04. I had some numbness that came from the incision area, and a little in my chin.

I also had a pain that started in my shoulder and radiated out the front of my chest. Docs said this was the nerves that were still healing. I am 12 weeks out and still feel the pain in my chest occasionally.

Most of this is/was due to muscle spasms in the neck and shoulders, from the neck brace and from holding the muscles in a position that is not normal (I hold my shoulders up more trying to "protect" myself).

Try ice or heat on the neck and shoulders. Also, I found that Benedril releived the spasms and helped me sleep. Check with your doc before taking this as your meds may react with it.

I also massaged the tight mucles after applying heat.

If the chin doesn't feel better soon, contact your doctor.

[aspen2cody]

thank you for your response

[dennisgb]

Your welcome.

You will feel better soon. I started to feel much better at about 6 weeks. Now, I am about 75-80%, without any of the original pain. I still have to be careful and not over do things.

I find that the spasms are worse after driving for long periods. I didn't do that until about 8 weeks.

Also, if you don't have a contour foam pillow, get one (or even two). THey really help with sleep, as they will form to the collar (if you are wearing one).

I bought mine at Walgreen's drug (USA if your not from here). Check your local drug stores. I also have a horse shoe shaped neck pillow for sitting, reclining and riding in cars.