Just Had Acdf Multilevel C5-7 Healing Is Not Going So

Posted on Wed, 8 May 2019

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 8 May 2019 Answered on

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Question : just had acdf multilevel c5-7 Healing is not going so well. But my question is about my t shoulder. Attached you will find the MRI report. what would be the next level of care? I was at my surgeon's office 13 days post op. I spent 4 days in the hospital after the surgery because the pain was so badd. It hadn't lightened up since I had gotten home so I went in early to see him. They took out my stitches and he said he wants the brace to say on another 4 weeks. No Heavy lifting no repetitious movements etc. He noted in my file that when he went in my bone is VERY soft, Which concerns him because I have rheumatoid arthritis and have been on medications that he feels may hinder the fusion altogether. Now back to my shoulder, it has been an issue for quite some time ... Right now I'm being treated with pain medication and muscle relaxer this period I use the tens unit and my doctor put in for the C spine stimulator for bone growth. Will anything happen with my shoulder if I don't do anything if in fact it does take a full year for this fusion to add here. Thank you for get time in this matter sincerely, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I recommend painkillers and physiotherapy for shoulder pain.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

I already reviewed the attached report of the MRI.

I also reviewed your medical history.

The symptom of pain in the shoulder is due to the nerves being pinched but also due to muscles being in spasm.

I recommend a treatment with Tylenol or Advil three tablets a day.

I see through your query that you are already taking pain medications which may also be helpful in treating the shoulder issues.

I also suggest physiotherapy in reducing muscle spasms and relieve pain.

If all the above do not help then surgery is needed.

So, after a year in you did not see any improvement I suggest discussing with a neurosurgeon.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana