Are you fused C4-7? - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

PNo · 12-08-2008, 11:43 PM

I have a question to anyone who might have similar ACDF fusion C4-7 - this is not a survey. I have been experiencing something and I am wondering if other people fused with multiple levels feel it to - like is it normal --

I am completely fused and still have my hardware in. If I move certain ways I feel this kind of buckling or popping kind of thing in my lower cervical/chest, and it is audible to me. One time my husband heard it. It's not like a cracking joint - it really feels odd. I don't know how to describe it, but there is something that I feel. It doesn't happen all the time, but I am wondering if there is some kind of stress happening in there and then it seems pain levels go up the day after I have this phenomena. It's been happening more so I am going to ask them to check it out.

My thoracic has some bulges now so I am thinking they are motion stress, so that kind of worries me that the fusion is putting some pressure in there.

If you feel it too, can you describe it? I am trying to find some good words to describe it to my doctor.

hugg724 · 12-09-2008, 12:44 AM

I am fused C4-7 but the only thing I experience is alot of popping and crackling in my neck. Sometimes my neck sounds like the noise you would hear from a fireplace when the wood gets going (that is what my kids told me lol).

I think based on the area you are having it that it might be your thoracic area and not your neck. You are MUCH more knowledgeable about the spine than I am although I do try to research as much as I can. You know that the discs above and below your fused area are doing the work of the fused ones and will wear down eventually. That is probably what is going on. It really sounds like you might have some slippage (sp?)

Sorry I can't be of more help on this though. Keep me posted because with everything I am going through with my neck, I know I am in for a long haul of issues.

Good Luck!!

css1 · 12-09-2008, 01:12 AM

imho, u described it well

i'm not fused although i had two doctors wanting to fuse me, and eventually it turned out all to be thoracic not spine, and since i did a ton of reserach, saw a ton of doctors, and talked to a ton of folks who got fused

i just wanted to say I understood ur description

hoped that helped
good luck

JackieH · 12-11-2008, 03:15 AM

Hi...
I'm C5-7 but w/failed fusion. My hip bone is gone but I still have the suvenier hardware screwed in tight.

Just wanted to make sure you get this checked out. I know a cousin's buddy who lost a screw & it ripped up his esophogus. Please don't worry. This is rare but it is serious when it happens.
I get at least X-rays every few months as the neurosurgeon told me the hardware would eventually break with failed fusion.

Take care.

sassy61 · 12-19-2008, 01:55 AM

hi , i don't know what you are talking about. but i am very scared to go ahead and have my surgery now.im supposed to have a c4-7 acdf. but from the sounds of your pain and when it happens you really need to go see a doc. i ll be praying,good luck and keep us posted cause this board really helps me alot.............Blessings.............. .sassy61