Back pain started months after Anterior Cervical Myelopathy Discectomy

[Nellybadback]

Hello all, I'm new here.

I underwent an Anterior Cervical Myelopathy Discectomy (C5-C6) in June this year and my recovery seemed to be going well.

Within the last month I have started to experience intense pain in my right wrist so have taken to wearing a wrist brace.

Within the last week I have also started to experience extreme constant pain in my back (right flank), which is affecting my sleep as I can only manage 2-3 hours before the pain wakes me.

Have any other members experienced similar issues?

Thank you

[Hidden]

Hi Nelly

I'm so sorry to hear this.

Firstly - any new pain needs to be checked out to ensure nothing else apart from myelopathy is going on.

Secondly, the not so great news is that when you have spinal fusion surgery - the wear & tear is redirected to other parts of your spine due to altered movements & posture, so problems can potentially start there.

The other possibility is that you are having back spasms or spasticity that may benefit from medication such as muscle relaxants to help.

You can always try topical treatment such as Ice & heat packs or gel/creams or sprays applied to where it hurts

But first & foremost, do get back in touch your neurosurgeon via their secretary to see if you can be reviewed. In the meantime, get in contact with your GP for suitable painrelife.

Also do try to keep gently mobile - going on bedrest will cause muscle to weaken due to lack of use & exacerbate your symptoms.

Good luck

Shirley (mod)

[Nellybadback in reply to Hidden]

Hi Shirley,

Thank you for your sympathy and advice.

I'm fortunate that I'm able to keep fairly mobile around the house and haven't resorted to bedrest yet. I have tried heat pads and found them to give some relief and will try the gels/creams etc.

I have contacted the surgeon and physiotherapist via their support teams and am waiting on a response.

Thanks again

Nelly

[Hidden]

Hi there, like Shirley I'm in the same boat had two operations c3c4c5fused but I like Shirley have Cervical myelopathy , so if you are experiencing other issues get back in touch don't leave it to late . Clive.