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What Causes Nerve Compression Post Cervical Spine Surgery?
Question: Is there a definitive test to diagnose unstable cervical vertebra from ligament damage or loosening hardware, such as MRI? I had ACDF C4-6 that collapsed into C5-6 and had to be redone at C5-6 and add ACDF C6-7 with posterior bone packing & micro disect/foraminotomies. A year later turning my head still causes severe pain that increases over time. CT showed partial bony fusion and surgeon says it is solid. Flex-ext XR shows 3mm movement with cervical exten that resolves with flexion at C4-5 and C7-T1. I am very healthy except for DDD and had L4-5 TLIF for grade2 spondylolisthesis. Trying to avoid additional surgery! Will ESI help? What do you recommend? I also think my spinal balance is off creating more stress on the spine.
Brief Answer:
TENS therapy can help.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
I have studied your case.
There can be nerve compression or lysthesis post surgery.
After your previous surgery of cervical spine now there is possibility of discitis, which can be confirmed by MRI with contrast or CT myelogram
For these symptoms analgesic and neurotropic medication can be started.
Till time, avoid lifting weights or bending your neck in abnormal positions, Sit with support to back. You can consult physiotherapist for help.
Physiotherapy like ultrasound and TENS therapy will help
I will advise to check your vit B12 and vit D3 level.
ESI may relieve symptoms and reduce inflammation but do not cure spinal stenosis or a ligament damage.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
TENS therapy can help.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
I have studied your case.
There can be nerve compression or lysthesis post surgery.
After your previous surgery of cervical spine now there is possibility of discitis, which can be confirmed by MRI with contrast or CT myelogram
For these symptoms analgesic and neurotropic medication can be started.
Till time, avoid lifting weights or bending your neck in abnormal positions, Sit with support to back. You can consult physiotherapist for help.
Physiotherapy like ultrasound and TENS therapy will help
I will advise to check your vit B12 and vit D3 level.
ESI may relieve symptoms and reduce inflammation but do not cure spinal stenosis or a ligament damage.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Pradeep Vitta
Answered by
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