I had c4-c7 surgery June, 2012. Recent cat scan shows I have not fused yet. I am going though significant muscle guarding, I am told. I am starting physical therapy. My question is, since I have not fused yet, should I be under certain restrictions? I don't see my surgeon until Jan 25 for follow up on cat scan however I am looking for a job and a lot jobs require lifting etc.
I would be careful until you see your surgeon and then get his/her idea od what needs to happen now. And then what your restrictions are. Chances are, if you really aren't fused, you may more treatment and more time. But your doc has to see and read the CT to see what is going on.
Went to the follow up with neuro surgeon. He looked at ct and said I was fused and my neck pain is not coming from my neck. confusion because CT report itself said no mature Osseous formation or something like that. Started pt but they were having to be so gentle and I really did not want to waste time or money right now. He suggested doing facet injections and myleogram... I have been diagnosed with m.s. also which is another reason pt could not do much. I refuse to go back to that neurosurgeon and have to wait until June to see new surgeon, he won't see me til my surgey has been a year. I have such pain when I look down too long, when I lean against something for too long and so many other things but the thought of doing anymore procedures has not risen as the lesser of 2 evils yet!
Oh yes I must say that neuro surgeon had 1 bit of bright advise, he said.. "keep looking up!" No seriously, he said to keep looking up and don't bend my head...