Fusion 1-1/2 years ago now bulging disk! - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

loverLife · 12-08-2004, 02:27 PM

I had a cervical fusion May 2003, C-5-6,now I have a bulging disk C-7 right under the fusion. I am in more pain now than I was before my surgery, has this happened to anyone else? I have been on pain meds for 12 days, also I am getting a spinal block next Monday, has anyone had one? Do they work? What can I expect? I have pain down my arm and in the general area, as well as finger and hand numbness. Help!

aspen2cody · 12-08-2004, 02:47 PM

I also had c5c6 fusion. I wasnt told how often the other discs cause problems after doing one. Usually the one above and below becomes problematic in 30% of people that have fusions. Thats the statistic that I have read. I have seen smaller numbers on one site which said it was around 7%. Whatever the figure is it doesnt matter if you are the one. Was you told this before surgery? Was that disc bulging before your previous surgery? I hope not but may have to address my c6c7 one day. I hope the artificial disc will be available then. Hopefully your symptoms will go away and you can avoid surgery. I wish I would have known about this domino effect, I would have refused surgery since I had no weakness or numbness yet. Good Luck and keep us informed how it goes.