I am looking at a possible c6-c7 fusing of the neck. Has anyone had this done and does it affect the mobility for shooting?
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fused neck
- Thread starter LWILLIAMS
- Start date
Re: fused neck
I have gotten the second opinion and start epidural injections tomorrow. Maybe I need to look at a neurosurgeon, both the opinions I have were from orthopedic doctors. Both of them say if the injections do not work it is time to fuse. I know very little about this so I guess it is time to educate myself. I am only 31 and dont want to be crippled up.
I have gotten the second opinion and start epidural injections tomorrow. Maybe I need to look at a neurosurgeon, both the opinions I have were from orthopedic doctors. Both of them say if the injections do not work it is time to fuse. I know very little about this so I guess it is time to educate myself. I am only 31 and dont want to be crippled up.
Re: fused neck
i would hold off as long as possible. was suppose to have my low back fused years ago. glad i didn't have it done.screws, plates, fusion.
the neuro who was going to do it said i would never do this or that again. he was wrong.
seek other opinions.
i would hold off as long as possible. was suppose to have my low back fused years ago. glad i didn't have it done.screws, plates, fusion.
the neuro who was going to do it said i would never do this or that again. he was wrong.
seek other opinions.
Re: fused neck
It was stupid I was at work and stood up under a flange on a boiler and the rest is history. Got a concussion and a herniated disk out of it all. I am researching neurosurgeons in my area now and I will probably have them take a look at the MRI for a 3rd opinion
It was stupid I was at work and stood up under a flange on a boiler and the rest is history. Got a concussion and a herniated disk out of it all. I am researching neurosurgeons in my area now and I will probably have them take a look at the MRI for a 3rd opinion
Re: fused neck
I had some issues with L3-L4, so I went to my orthopedist. He recommended me to a brain & spine surgeon, because working on vertebrae is their specialty. I'm a year out and 90% improved. A guy I worked with had his orthopedist do work on his back and he ended up retiring and still has problems. Your orthopedist could be the ichibon, but it wouldn't hurt to seek out a brain & spine guy. They have minimally invasive procedures today that are cutting edge. I walked from the wheelchair at the front of the hospital to my car, when I was released the day of my surgery. The procedure I had warranted fusing disks in the past, but the new stuff keep them from doing it. Wouldn't hurt to ask.
I had some issues with L3-L4, so I went to my orthopedist. He recommended me to a brain & spine surgeon, because working on vertebrae is their specialty. I'm a year out and 90% improved. A guy I worked with had his orthopedist do work on his back and he ended up retiring and still has problems. Your orthopedist could be the ichibon, but it wouldn't hurt to seek out a brain & spine guy. They have minimally invasive procedures today that are cutting edge. I walked from the wheelchair at the front of the hospital to my car, when I was released the day of my surgery. The procedure I had warranted fusing disks in the past, but the new stuff keep them from doing it. Wouldn't hurt to ask.
Re: fused neck
I had the surgery done about 12 or so years ago. I have three fused with 6 screws and a plate that looks like a bowtie holding them all in place
I had numbness in my last three fingers and so much pain in my right arm I could not sleep anymore. I finally went in and had the surgery done and I am glad I did. I have been pain free and have had no problems since.
The Dr. ask me if I was a bullrider or a profressional fighter. He said the only people he had seen with necks as bad a mine were from one of those two professions.
As far as shooting goes I could not stand any of the recoil from my 300WM or even the 308 for about the first year after I had it done. So I built a 260 and that helped. Now I can shoot anything again but have not shot a lot of heavy recoiling rifles since. The 308 is as big as I go now and I have a nice pad on it.
The biggest thing is shooting prone. If I have to lay for anytime on my belly with my head up on the scope I will get one hell of a headache and my eyes will start to cross. By taking a break and keeping my head down this will help.
I waited about a year to long and I "DO NOT" regret having it done and would do it again in a minute. If your pain is like mine there really is no choice. But from someone who has been there and done that it was well worth it and I still shoot several thousand rounds a year through my rifles so it hasn't slowed me down much. Good luch with your neck and if you have any questions your can contact through the private message board and I will give you my phone number if you need more info.
I had the surgery done about 12 or so years ago. I have three fused with 6 screws and a plate that looks like a bowtie holding them all in place
I had numbness in my last three fingers and so much pain in my right arm I could not sleep anymore. I finally went in and had the surgery done and I am glad I did. I have been pain free and have had no problems since.
The Dr. ask me if I was a bullrider or a profressional fighter. He said the only people he had seen with necks as bad a mine were from one of those two professions.
As far as shooting goes I could not stand any of the recoil from my 300WM or even the 308 for about the first year after I had it done. So I built a 260 and that helped. Now I can shoot anything again but have not shot a lot of heavy recoiling rifles since. The 308 is as big as I go now and I have a nice pad on it.
The biggest thing is shooting prone. If I have to lay for anytime on my belly with my head up on the scope I will get one hell of a headache and my eyes will start to cross. By taking a break and keeping my head down this will help.
I waited about a year to long and I "DO NOT" regret having it done and would do it again in a minute. If your pain is like mine there really is no choice. But from someone who has been there and done that it was well worth it and I still shoot several thousand rounds a year through my rifles so it hasn't slowed me down much. Good luch with your neck and if you have any questions your can contact through the private message board and I will give you my phone number if you need more info.
Re: fused neck
I have had 3 neck fusions. First, the ONLY indication for surgery is progressing loss of nerve function NOT pain. If you have numbness and weakness that is worsening over time with appropriate treatment surgery is indicated. Appropriate treatment includes epidural corticosteroid injections and physical therapy. Any loss of nerve function MAY NEVER recover even with surgery. So you don't want to wait too long before going forward with surgery if you are loosing function. Next, A single level fusion will have very little lasting effect on your neck motion. Each level of the neck is only responsible for about 1.5 degrees of rotation. Most rotation actually occurs at the top of the neck - C1C2 - which is called the atlantoaxial joint. The biggest problem will be pain for a while after surgery. You probably will not want to shoot centerfire for at least 6 months because of the pain with recoil. It is important that you go through physical therapy after surgery to regain as much function as possible. Believe me, If you really need surgery you will be VERY glad you had it. The key is making sure that you really need it. In my experience if you aren't sure about the surgery you probably don't need it. How do I now? Not only have I had 3 neck fusions, I also am a physician who specializes in this area of medicine.
I have had 3 neck fusions. First, the ONLY indication for surgery is progressing loss of nerve function NOT pain. If you have numbness and weakness that is worsening over time with appropriate treatment surgery is indicated. Appropriate treatment includes epidural corticosteroid injections and physical therapy. Any loss of nerve function MAY NEVER recover even with surgery. So you don't want to wait too long before going forward with surgery if you are loosing function. Next, A single level fusion will have very little lasting effect on your neck motion. Each level of the neck is only responsible for about 1.5 degrees of rotation. Most rotation actually occurs at the top of the neck - C1C2 - which is called the atlantoaxial joint. The biggest problem will be pain for a while after surgery. You probably will not want to shoot centerfire for at least 6 months because of the pain with recoil. It is important that you go through physical therapy after surgery to regain as much function as possible. Believe me, If you really need surgery you will be VERY glad you had it. The key is making sure that you really need it. In my experience if you aren't sure about the surgery you probably don't need it. How do I now? Not only have I had 3 neck fusions, I also am a physician who specializes in this area of medicine.
Re: fused neck
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hannibal</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Any other options??? Tried everything? Second opinions? Support groups?
Was a pain nurse for 6 years and OR for 11 years and came to the conclusion that if you start with one surgery you will need others. Those vertebrae are a complicated pile of bones to deal with- never the same after surgery. Seems like that balance gets out of whack and then you need other surgeries to correct problems with the first.
If you must get surgery make sure your surgeon is damn good (do some research on him/her) and make sure he is a neurosurgeon. IMHO neuro docs work best on the spine and ortho work best in other places- like the knee, hip, etc.
Good luck.
Han </div></div>
+2 Neurosurgeon
The way it works is
Neurosurgeon is the fine furniture maker and the orthpod is the carpenter.
I know who I want to work on my spine.
I hope it goes OK for you.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hannibal</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Any other options??? Tried everything? Second opinions? Support groups?
Was a pain nurse for 6 years and OR for 11 years and came to the conclusion that if you start with one surgery you will need others. Those vertebrae are a complicated pile of bones to deal with- never the same after surgery. Seems like that balance gets out of whack and then you need other surgeries to correct problems with the first.
If you must get surgery make sure your surgeon is damn good (do some research on him/her) and make sure he is a neurosurgeon. IMHO neuro docs work best on the spine and ortho work best in other places- like the knee, hip, etc.
Good luck.
Han </div></div>
+2 Neurosurgeon
The way it works is
Neurosurgeon is the fine furniture maker and the orthpod is the carpenter.
I know who I want to work on my spine.
I hope it goes OK for you.
Re: fused neck
Neurosurgeon vs Orthopedic spine specialist are the real options and for most cases THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE other than individual skill. If anything there orthopedic spine specialist is the real cabinet maker for severe spine problems. Neurosurgeons mostly do the simple stuff. They are quite competent for most routine neck fusions but if it gets complicated the orthopedic spine specialist is the one the neurosurgeon will call in to do the work. Note that I said orthopedic spine specialist NOT a general orthopedist. There is a huge difference. The orthopedic spine specialist does ONLY spine work. If there is significant bone work to be done or complicated bone work to be done you want the orthopedic spine specialist. Again how do I know. Besides being a physician that specializes in neuromusculoskeletal medicine, I had a failed fusion (done by a neurosurgeon). An orthopedic spine specialist had to do the repair work. In the end most neck fusion operations are common routine operations which could be done by any orthopedist or neurosurgeon as long as they do them frequently. If it were me I would try to find out who has the best reputation in your area.
Neurosurgeon vs Orthopedic spine specialist are the real options and for most cases THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE other than individual skill. If anything there orthopedic spine specialist is the real cabinet maker for severe spine problems. Neurosurgeons mostly do the simple stuff. They are quite competent for most routine neck fusions but if it gets complicated the orthopedic spine specialist is the one the neurosurgeon will call in to do the work. Note that I said orthopedic spine specialist NOT a general orthopedist. There is a huge difference. The orthopedic spine specialist does ONLY spine work. If there is significant bone work to be done or complicated bone work to be done you want the orthopedic spine specialist. Again how do I know. Besides being a physician that specializes in neuromusculoskeletal medicine, I had a failed fusion (done by a neurosurgeon). An orthopedic spine specialist had to do the repair work. In the end most neck fusion operations are common routine operations which could be done by any orthopedist or neurosurgeon as long as they do them frequently. If it were me I would try to find out who has the best reputation in your area.
Re: fused neck
Have you tried Chiropractic? If it doesn't help, you can always fall back on surgery. A surgeons work likely can't be undone, but a chiropractors can. My chiropractor has done wonders for me. I'm still not doing cartwheels, but I can atleast turn my head now and sit in a chair for more than a few minutes without all my extremities going numb like they use to. The ringing in the ears and neck grinding is gone as well. I still hear the voices sometimes, but he said he could only do so much
. Surgeries are like Pringles, you can't stop at one.
Have you tried Chiropractic? If it doesn't help, you can always fall back on surgery. A surgeons work likely can't be undone, but a chiropractors can. My chiropractor has done wonders for me. I'm still not doing cartwheels, but I can atleast turn my head now and sit in a chair for more than a few minutes without all my extremities going numb like they use to. The ringing in the ears and neck grinding is gone as well. I still hear the voices sometimes, but he said he could only do so much
Re: fused neck
If you have a disc herniation which is causing nerve function loss DO NOT LET ANYONE MANIPULATE YOUR NECK! It not only will NOT help the problem it could very easily make it worse. Now we are really in my area of expertise as I am an osteopathic physician who is specifically trained in manipulative medicine and also in anesthesia pain control. Get the nerve function issue addressed. If you do not have nerve function loss then physical therapy, epidural corticosteroid injection, and POSSIBLY gentle manipulation is quite appropriate. Again, if you have loss of nerve function DO NOT let anyone do jerking type manipulation of your neck.
If you have a disc herniation which is causing nerve function loss DO NOT LET ANYONE MANIPULATE YOUR NECK! It not only will NOT help the problem it could very easily make it worse. Now we are really in my area of expertise as I am an osteopathic physician who is specifically trained in manipulative medicine and also in anesthesia pain control. Get the nerve function issue addressed. If you do not have nerve function loss then physical therapy, epidural corticosteroid injection, and POSSIBLY gentle manipulation is quite appropriate. Again, if you have loss of nerve function DO NOT let anyone do jerking type manipulation of your neck.
Re: fused neck
While not exactly the same thing... I had to have back surgery in 1993 as a result from a bulging disk caused in an auto crash in 1987. I saw the most used neurosurgeon in the area right after it happened. He advised me to put it off until I couldn't stand it any longer.
In 1993 I sneezed in the shower and the disk blew. I had surgery a week and a half later. Not being a life threatening situation that was the quickest it could get scheduled. When I saw the doctor before the surgery he told me he would be using a new procedure that was not out when I originally had the injury. But he had done several hundred in the years since it had been in use.
Bottom line I guess is this. Know your doctor and get one with a high surgery count and success rate. Not one of the "I've always wanted to do one of those" kind of knife wielders.
Good luck on a speedy and complete recovery.
While not exactly the same thing... I had to have back surgery in 1993 as a result from a bulging disk caused in an auto crash in 1987. I saw the most used neurosurgeon in the area right after it happened. He advised me to put it off until I couldn't stand it any longer.
In 1993 I sneezed in the shower and the disk blew. I had surgery a week and a half later. Not being a life threatening situation that was the quickest it could get scheduled. When I saw the doctor before the surgery he told me he would be using a new procedure that was not out when I originally had the injury. But he had done several hundred in the years since it had been in use.
Bottom line I guess is this. Know your doctor and get one with a high surgery count and success rate. Not one of the "I've always wanted to do one of those" kind of knife wielders.
Good luck on a speedy and complete recovery.
Re: fused neck
I have used the chiropractor with no pain relief as well as physical therapy. The MRI shows herniated disk. I cant sit for long or I get an intense burning sensation in the lower portion of my neck. I do better if I can be moving but sitting at a desk for work is very tough and I dont want to be on pain medicine forever.
I have used the chiropractor with no pain relief as well as physical therapy. The MRI shows herniated disk. I cant sit for long or I get an intense burning sensation in the lower portion of my neck. I do better if I can be moving but sitting at a desk for work is very tough and I dont want to be on pain medicine forever.
Re: fused neck
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JCummings</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you have a disc herniation which is causing nerve function loss DO NOT LET ANYONE MANIPULATE YOUR NECK! It not only will NOT help the problem it could very easily make it worse. Now we are really in my area of expertise as I am an osteopathic physician who is specifically trained in manipulative medicine and also in anesthesia pain control. Get the nerve function issue addressed. If you do not have nerve function loss then physical therapy, epidural corticosteroid injection, and POSSIBLY gentle manipulation is quite appropriate. Again, if you have loss of nerve function DO NOT let anyone do jerking type manipulation of your neck. </div></div>
Before you start prescribing or not prescribing manipulations know what the hell you are talking about. There are over 200 different techniques to adjust the spine. I treat these cases daily and yes you can't use just go banging around on someone with a injury.
Let's not get into a pissing match about how many people have been hurt or killed during a routine chiropractic adjustment vs. a routine surgery, brother there isn't enough bit space on this site to handle the list.
I send out referrals to the the very best neuro and orthopedic surgeons all the time 90% are sent back to me for chiropractic care.
In Health
kt
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JCummings</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you have a disc herniation which is causing nerve function loss DO NOT LET ANYONE MANIPULATE YOUR NECK! It not only will NOT help the problem it could very easily make it worse. Now we are really in my area of expertise as I am an osteopathic physician who is specifically trained in manipulative medicine and also in anesthesia pain control. Get the nerve function issue addressed. If you do not have nerve function loss then physical therapy, epidural corticosteroid injection, and POSSIBLY gentle manipulation is quite appropriate. Again, if you have loss of nerve function DO NOT let anyone do jerking type manipulation of your neck. </div></div>
Before you start prescribing or not prescribing manipulations know what the hell you are talking about. There are over 200 different techniques to adjust the spine. I treat these cases daily and yes you can't use just go banging around on someone with a injury.
Let's not get into a pissing match about how many people have been hurt or killed during a routine chiropractic adjustment vs. a routine surgery, brother there isn't enough bit space on this site to handle the list.
I send out referrals to the the very best neuro and orthopedic surgeons all the time 90% are sent back to me for chiropractic care.
In Health
kt
Re: fused neck
Do You have pain down your arm? Do you have numbness &/or weakness in your arm? If none of these then surgery is not indicated. I know you dot want to be on pain medication but even if you have surgery there is no guarantee you will not still need to be on pain medication. If the primary problem is localized pain in your neck then a good interventive radiologist or anesthesia pain specialist is your best bet. Localized burning is not an indication of nerve compression. Nerve compression would cause an intense deep ache in your upper back and down your arm. Be aware that millions of people have herniated discs with no pain at all. a herniated disc is not at indication for surgery. only nerve compression will loss of nerve function is a real indication for surgery. If you do not have that then treatment should be non surgical - pain medication, injection therapy, physical therapy, and manual medicine are the appropriate treatments in that scenario.
Are you able to lie down to sleep at night? If so you do not need surgery. In my experience anyone that really needs surgery for a compromised nerve in their neck can not lie down without their pain getting much worse.
Do You have pain down your arm? Do you have numbness &/or weakness in your arm? If none of these then surgery is not indicated. I know you dot want to be on pain medication but even if you have surgery there is no guarantee you will not still need to be on pain medication. If the primary problem is localized pain in your neck then a good interventive radiologist or anesthesia pain specialist is your best bet. Localized burning is not an indication of nerve compression. Nerve compression would cause an intense deep ache in your upper back and down your arm. Be aware that millions of people have herniated discs with no pain at all. a herniated disc is not at indication for surgery. only nerve compression will loss of nerve function is a real indication for surgery. If you do not have that then treatment should be non surgical - pain medication, injection therapy, physical therapy, and manual medicine are the appropriate treatments in that scenario.
Are you able to lie down to sleep at night? If so you do not need surgery. In my experience anyone that really needs surgery for a compromised nerve in their neck can not lie down without their pain getting much worse.
Re: fused neck
Give the epidurals a chance. I just went through three rounds of them to get an L5-S1 herniation corrected. It took me 3 months, but pretty much back to normal. Had these not worked, would have been another back surgery.
Give the epidurals a chance. I just went through three rounds of them to get an L5-S1 herniation corrected. It took me 3 months, but pretty much back to normal. Had these not worked, would have been another back surgery.
Re: fused neck
SingleShot85:
Take it easy friend. I too do manipulation all day every day. I am not picking on chiropractors but via the internet for someone who has been recommended surgery for presumed nerve damage I will never recommend manipulation. In person where I can examine the patient that's different. I do not need you to tell me about how many ways there are to do manipulation. I am a residency trained specialist in osteopathic manipulation,and I've been doing this for over 25 years, but you must admit most chiropractors use high velocity techniques, and in my experience often very aggressively. I also have treated more than a few patient who have been treated by D.Cs for months who present with severe atrophy and functional loss. Again I am not picking on chiropractors. Just like in all areas it is more the individual than the paper. I still will never recommend manipulation over then internet for someone with functional nevre loss.
SingleShot85:
Take it easy friend. I too do manipulation all day every day. I am not picking on chiropractors but via the internet for someone who has been recommended surgery for presumed nerve damage I will never recommend manipulation. In person where I can examine the patient that's different. I do not need you to tell me about how many ways there are to do manipulation. I am a residency trained specialist in osteopathic manipulation,and I've been doing this for over 25 years, but you must admit most chiropractors use high velocity techniques, and in my experience often very aggressively. I also have treated more than a few patient who have been treated by D.Cs for months who present with severe atrophy and functional loss. Again I am not picking on chiropractors. Just like in all areas it is more the individual than the paper. I still will never recommend manipulation over then internet for someone with functional nevre loss.
Re: fused neck
Only some numbing in the outer part of my hand and arm. It sounds like the inejections may work but the Dr. told me it is about a %40 success rate. Maybe the Dr. just has me running scared a little bit but I have small kids and I dont want to be cripples up. I may do the injections and wait it out as long as I can.
Only some numbing in the outer part of my hand and arm. It sounds like the inejections may work but the Dr. told me it is about a %40 success rate. Maybe the Dr. just has me running scared a little bit but I have small kids and I dont want to be cripples up. I may do the injections and wait it out as long as I can.
Re: fused neck
Just had neck surgery back in Sept. I felt something wierd the week before I headed up for CMP week at Perry, then while lifting a target over a frame had a "pop" in my neck, hurt the rest of the week. Then got home, had 3 days before I headed to the Canadian Fullbore Nationals and saw my Dr. Said likely herniation of C5-6 or so and that I should stay home. Well, I was not only shooting the individuals, but also shooting for the USA team, so not going wasnt an option. Headed to Canada, did the about the best shooting I have ever done, finished 3rd individually and helped the USA to 3 straight team wins. got home after an 18 hr car ride and boom, couldnt move right arm next morning!
Holy snikies!! Well, MRI showed 2 blown discs and a bone spur riding on a nerve...that nerve ran my right arm. Well, did the injection thing, worked great, but being the moron that I am, I went out and jumped on the ZTR mower and cut 5 acres (hey, it hadnt been cut in a month as I was out shooting!!) and well, that F'd me up royally. So I had the arm pain, loss of use, couldnt sleep, couldnt drive etc.
So, doc (a neurosurgeon...which is a MUST!) said the only way I was shooting US Rifle Team tryouts in Nov was surgery and then only going to be a long shot (gave me 2 months to rehab). Well, I did the surgery, though honestly, tryouts or not, I dont think I had much of an option as I was BAD.
Well, I did some serious rehab/therapy (I had less than 25% of my left arm strength in my right arm after healing up after surgery) shot tryouts 2 months later, had trouble, lots, but did well enough to make the team, and have not shot since. So 2 more months of healing I have gotten about 75% of my strength back and am getting ready to get back to shooting the end of this month.
Would I do the surgery again? Sure, as I probably didnt have a choice, but dude, you better use it as a last option but, the caveat here is DONT wait too long. I made my situation a lot worse as I kept shooting (would have done that again I think, if I had it to do over considering how Canada went) and did some stupid crap after the injections, but I did NOT have a fuse, they went in, cut a bunch of crap out and it seems to have worked. But, as my is degenerative (I am only 39) and not due to injuries, I will likely need more surgery in the future. And before i did a fuse, I would look at replacing the discs. The folks I know that have had that done have been pretty happy.
As for chiro, for this stuff, no way. I hit the chiro for some stuff but I would NEVER let him work on my neck and he never will again now that I have had issues.
Good luck man......neck injuries suck.
John
Just had neck surgery back in Sept. I felt something wierd the week before I headed up for CMP week at Perry, then while lifting a target over a frame had a "pop" in my neck, hurt the rest of the week. Then got home, had 3 days before I headed to the Canadian Fullbore Nationals and saw my Dr. Said likely herniation of C5-6 or so and that I should stay home. Well, I was not only shooting the individuals, but also shooting for the USA team, so not going wasnt an option. Headed to Canada, did the about the best shooting I have ever done, finished 3rd individually and helped the USA to 3 straight team wins. got home after an 18 hr car ride and boom, couldnt move right arm next morning!
Holy snikies!! Well, MRI showed 2 blown discs and a bone spur riding on a nerve...that nerve ran my right arm. Well, did the injection thing, worked great, but being the moron that I am, I went out and jumped on the ZTR mower and cut 5 acres (hey, it hadnt been cut in a month as I was out shooting!!) and well, that F'd me up royally. So I had the arm pain, loss of use, couldnt sleep, couldnt drive etc.
So, doc (a neurosurgeon...which is a MUST!) said the only way I was shooting US Rifle Team tryouts in Nov was surgery and then only going to be a long shot (gave me 2 months to rehab). Well, I did the surgery, though honestly, tryouts or not, I dont think I had much of an option as I was BAD.
Well, I did some serious rehab/therapy (I had less than 25% of my left arm strength in my right arm after healing up after surgery) shot tryouts 2 months later, had trouble, lots, but did well enough to make the team, and have not shot since. So 2 more months of healing I have gotten about 75% of my strength back and am getting ready to get back to shooting the end of this month.
Would I do the surgery again? Sure, as I probably didnt have a choice, but dude, you better use it as a last option but, the caveat here is DONT wait too long. I made my situation a lot worse as I kept shooting (would have done that again I think, if I had it to do over considering how Canada went) and did some stupid crap after the injections, but I did NOT have a fuse, they went in, cut a bunch of crap out and it seems to have worked. But, as my is degenerative (I am only 39) and not due to injuries, I will likely need more surgery in the future. And before i did a fuse, I would look at replacing the discs. The folks I know that have had that done have been pretty happy.
As for chiro, for this stuff, no way. I hit the chiro for some stuff but I would NEVER let him work on my neck and he never will again now that I have had issues.
Good luck man......neck injuries suck.
John
Re: fused neck
I had a c-5-6 Anterior fusion done in July of 08. The original injury was from 14 years prior. Like Dr. Cummins said, when you need it you'll know it. It won't be a question of "do I need a second opinion" or should I get it done. The pain level and nerve function at the repaired location is much better now but the support provided by the fusion caused the pain to shift to the next lower vertebra. I no longer have any numbness (except between the ears) or tingling but the pain level just shifted lower. However my neck degeneration is from looking straight up for 35 years building TV, radio and cellular towers. The specialist said my neck looked like a 85 or 90 year old mans'. It sounds like your neck problem is from a specific injury to a specific region and the surgery would be very beneficial, maybe necessary to prevent further irreversible spine damage. I wouldn't be afraid to have it done. To answer your shooting question, yes I still shoot prone and yes it hurts like hell. Frequent position changes make it tolerable though. But my neck is 10 times worse than yours so take that into consideration. I bet you won't even notice it 6 months after your surgery. Good luck.
JH
I had a c-5-6 Anterior fusion done in July of 08. The original injury was from 14 years prior. Like Dr. Cummins said, when you need it you'll know it. It won't be a question of "do I need a second opinion" or should I get it done. The pain level and nerve function at the repaired location is much better now but the support provided by the fusion caused the pain to shift to the next lower vertebra. I no longer have any numbness (except between the ears) or tingling but the pain level just shifted lower. However my neck degeneration is from looking straight up for 35 years building TV, radio and cellular towers. The specialist said my neck looked like a 85 or 90 year old mans'. It sounds like your neck problem is from a specific injury to a specific region and the surgery would be very beneficial, maybe necessary to prevent further irreversible spine damage. I wouldn't be afraid to have it done. To answer your shooting question, yes I still shoot prone and yes it hurts like hell. Frequent position changes make it tolerable though. But my neck is 10 times worse than yours so take that into consideration. I bet you won't even notice it 6 months after your surgery. Good luck.
JH
Re: fused neck
As you mentioned I would not try to diagnose or prescribe treatment via the web but saying NO chiropractic would be as careless as saying surgery is the devil.
I'll leave it at that.
As you mentioned I would not try to diagnose or prescribe treatment via the web but saying NO chiropractic would be as careless as saying surgery is the devil.
I'll leave it at that.
Re: fused neck
FWIW I'm a career firefighter/paramedic and I injured my neck about 8yrs ago lifting a 400+ pounder (probably was just the straw that broke the camels back, so to speak). I went to my DO at the time and a chiropractor thinking it was just a muscle issue and the chiropractor finally sent me in for an MRI when I developed numbness in two of my fingers and muscle atrophy in my right peck. Turns out I had a right and left posterior lateral bulge in my C6/7 vert. Everyone I spoke to inlcuding an orthopedist and neuro surgeon said to try anything and everything except manipulation. i was advised that surgery was absolutely the last resort. Once they cut you can never uncut period.
Obviously there are exceptions to this as others have said above. I'm merely just conveying my personal experience. I had open heart surgery 4yrs ago for a bad valve and as bad as the sternotomy was i'd rather deal with that temporary pain again over the agony i experienced with my neck.
Anyway I went to a pain specialist who started with oral steroid first with no luck. We then started the steriod injections. Without a doubt the best decision I've ever made. It took a couple on one side before I started seeing any improvent but now I feel great with occational reminders not to be stupid. I've had a total of 5 cervical injections and am for the most part pain free. Its been about 6 yrs now and since the onset of my symptoms and I've changed a lot of what I used to do to aggrevate my neck. I'm 6'2" and look down a lot and I used to sleep on multiple pillows and on my stomach. Now I try to use good posture and sleep on my side or supine on a travel pillow to improve my spine. If I get a flare up I take Ibuprofen and take it easy. Which ever way you go its a lifetime condition. I'm afraid all of us who have neck/back issues will always have neck/back issues.
Recently I had a tin ceiling come down on my head in a fire and on the same scene I wacked the top of my head with my helmet on on a big wooden beam. My neck immediately started to flare up and my left arm went numb during overhaul. I decided it was time to stop and play it smart and go get checked out. A little Ibuprofen and a couple days off later and I was as good as new. Moral of my story is take it easy, get good medical opinions and really think everything through before you do anything.
john
FWIW I'm a career firefighter/paramedic and I injured my neck about 8yrs ago lifting a 400+ pounder (probably was just the straw that broke the camels back, so to speak). I went to my DO at the time and a chiropractor thinking it was just a muscle issue and the chiropractor finally sent me in for an MRI when I developed numbness in two of my fingers and muscle atrophy in my right peck. Turns out I had a right and left posterior lateral bulge in my C6/7 vert. Everyone I spoke to inlcuding an orthopedist and neuro surgeon said to try anything and everything except manipulation. i was advised that surgery was absolutely the last resort. Once they cut you can never uncut period.
Obviously there are exceptions to this as others have said above. I'm merely just conveying my personal experience. I had open heart surgery 4yrs ago for a bad valve and as bad as the sternotomy was i'd rather deal with that temporary pain again over the agony i experienced with my neck.
Anyway I went to a pain specialist who started with oral steroid first with no luck. We then started the steriod injections. Without a doubt the best decision I've ever made. It took a couple on one side before I started seeing any improvent but now I feel great with occational reminders not to be stupid. I've had a total of 5 cervical injections and am for the most part pain free. Its been about 6 yrs now and since the onset of my symptoms and I've changed a lot of what I used to do to aggrevate my neck. I'm 6'2" and look down a lot and I used to sleep on multiple pillows and on my stomach. Now I try to use good posture and sleep on my side or supine on a travel pillow to improve my spine. If I get a flare up I take Ibuprofen and take it easy. Which ever way you go its a lifetime condition. I'm afraid all of us who have neck/back issues will always have neck/back issues.
Recently I had a tin ceiling come down on my head in a fire and on the same scene I wacked the top of my head with my helmet on on a big wooden beam. My neck immediately started to flare up and my left arm went numb during overhaul. I decided it was time to stop and play it smart and go get checked out. A little Ibuprofen and a couple days off later and I was as good as new. Moral of my story is take it easy, get good medical opinions and really think everything through before you do anything.
john
Re: fused neck
Thank you to everyone. This is really opening my eyes on this. I will do alot more research and prob waiting as long as I can if the injections do not work.
Thank you to everyone. This is really opening my eyes on this. I will do alot more research and prob waiting as long as I can if the injections do not work.
Re: fused neck
Injured my lower back and was told the only way I would get a final settlement for disability would be a fusion of 3 vertebrae. This was 25 years ago. To say the least I told them to pound sand and keep the money. It hurt a lot but I started using inversion and deep tissue massage. I consider myself 90% or more healed and very glad I did not do it. Obviously medicine would have progressed light years since my injury but if I had another today I would look at every possible solution other than surgery. Surgery would be the absolute last solution.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shooter65</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i would hold off as long as possible. was suppose to have my low back fused years ago. glad i didn't have it done.screws, plates, fusion.
the neuro who was going to do it said i would never do this or that again. he was wrong.
seek other opinions.</div></div>
Injured my lower back and was told the only way I would get a final settlement for disability would be a fusion of 3 vertebrae. This was 25 years ago. To say the least I told them to pound sand and keep the money. It hurt a lot but I started using inversion and deep tissue massage. I consider myself 90% or more healed and very glad I did not do it. Obviously medicine would have progressed light years since my injury but if I had another today I would look at every possible solution other than surgery. Surgery would be the absolute last solution.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shooter65</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i would hold off as long as possible. was suppose to have my low back fused years ago. glad i didn't have it done.screws, plates, fusion.
the neuro who was going to do it said i would never do this or that again. he was wrong.
seek other opinions.</div></div>
Re: fused neck
My surgeon told me the worst thing you can do is to go to a Chriopractor for your neck when you have real pain. He said you should never let anyone manipulate your neck. He said it was fine for your back but usually not good for the neck.
He also told me that I nearly waited to long to have the surgery done because of the damage that can be caused to the nerves that will cause muscle damage which will cause weakness of the arm.
Like one of the guys said, "You will know when its time to have the surgery". My doctor did the MRI and told me the problem and what needed to be done and all I said was, "How soon can you do it". I was in so damn much pain I wanted to cut my arm off!!!
My surgeon told me the worst thing you can do is to go to a Chriopractor for your neck when you have real pain. He said you should never let anyone manipulate your neck. He said it was fine for your back but usually not good for the neck.
He also told me that I nearly waited to long to have the surgery done because of the damage that can be caused to the nerves that will cause muscle damage which will cause weakness of the arm.
Like one of the guys said, "You will know when its time to have the surgery". My doctor did the MRI and told me the problem and what needed to be done and all I said was, "How soon can you do it". I was in so damn much pain I wanted to cut my arm off!!!
Re: fused neck
I guess I need to clarify some things I said. I did not say that no one should ever allow manipulation of their neck. I do manipulation of necks every day. That FACTS are that manipulation is by far the safest form of medical therapy there is - period. But like all tools it has its place. There are specific times when manipulation is a bad idea. I my opinion in anyone who has true progressing nerve damage in their neck due to degenerative disc disease and or stenosis manipulation of their neck is not only unlikely to be beneficial but quite possibly will worsen their condition. The indication for manipulation is non-neurologic functional loss. Loss of motion, joint locking, & soft tissue restrictions definitely benefit from properly applied manual therapy. It is unfortunately common for surgeons to make blanket statements like "you should never let anyone manipulate your neck". That is not what I said. I specifically was responding to someone who is looking at neck surgery and therefore is presumed to have compromised nerve function. While I likely would be willing to do gentle manipulation of someone in that situation if my exam told me it was appropriate, I would never as a generalization recommend anyone have their neck manipulated who already has signs of nerve damage due to degenerative disc disease or stenosis. A study by the RAND Corp about 20 years ago confirmed that as a generalization neck manipulation was significantly safer than medication(for example ibuprofen) and markedly safer than surgery. The key here is the situation. Without a proper diagnosis no one can recommend appropriate treatment. There are specific situations where surgery is far and away the most appropriate treatment. In my opinion progressive loss of neurologic function due to neural compromise by a disc or bone pressure despite appropriate nonsurgical treatment is one of those cases. In fact, that is the standard of care. Given the importance of having functional use of your arms and hands it is important not to procrastinate too long in this situation. I would never recommend surgery as a general treatment for neck pain. I will continue to recommend surgery for progressive loss of nerve function. I will continue to use manipulation of the neck on a daily basis. I will continue as a generalization to recommend it not be pursued for anyone with progressing nerve damage in their neck.
I guess I need to clarify some things I said. I did not say that no one should ever allow manipulation of their neck. I do manipulation of necks every day. That FACTS are that manipulation is by far the safest form of medical therapy there is - period. But like all tools it has its place. There are specific times when manipulation is a bad idea. I my opinion in anyone who has true progressing nerve damage in their neck due to degenerative disc disease and or stenosis manipulation of their neck is not only unlikely to be beneficial but quite possibly will worsen their condition. The indication for manipulation is non-neurologic functional loss. Loss of motion, joint locking, & soft tissue restrictions definitely benefit from properly applied manual therapy. It is unfortunately common for surgeons to make blanket statements like "you should never let anyone manipulate your neck". That is not what I said. I specifically was responding to someone who is looking at neck surgery and therefore is presumed to have compromised nerve function. While I likely would be willing to do gentle manipulation of someone in that situation if my exam told me it was appropriate, I would never as a generalization recommend anyone have their neck manipulated who already has signs of nerve damage due to degenerative disc disease or stenosis. A study by the RAND Corp about 20 years ago confirmed that as a generalization neck manipulation was significantly safer than medication(for example ibuprofen) and markedly safer than surgery. The key here is the situation. Without a proper diagnosis no one can recommend appropriate treatment. There are specific situations where surgery is far and away the most appropriate treatment. In my opinion progressive loss of neurologic function due to neural compromise by a disc or bone pressure despite appropriate nonsurgical treatment is one of those cases. In fact, that is the standard of care. Given the importance of having functional use of your arms and hands it is important not to procrastinate too long in this situation. I would never recommend surgery as a general treatment for neck pain. I will continue to recommend surgery for progressive loss of nerve function. I will continue to use manipulation of the neck on a daily basis. I will continue as a generalization to recommend it not be pursued for anyone with progressing nerve damage in their neck.
Re: fused neck
I had seen a chiropractor for several years before having the surgery. Before the sneezing incident it had worked fine for me. But after that the manipulations only made the pain worse. That's when the chiropractor said he would not do it any longer.
I believe there is a place for both. But when surgery is the last option, make sure the RIGHT surgeon is doing it.
I had seen a chiropractor for several years before having the surgery. Before the sneezing incident it had worked fine for me. But after that the manipulations only made the pain worse. That's when the chiropractor said he would not do it any longer.
I believe there is a place for both. But when surgery is the last option, make sure the RIGHT surgeon is doing it.
Re: fused neck
I've had a set of pinched nerves in my neck for the past week, my fingertips are tingling and I'm debating on going to Karate 2nite until I get into see the chiropractor.
Man I don't want to be there -
I've had a set of pinched nerves in my neck for the past week, my fingertips are tingling and I'm debating on going to Karate 2nite until I get into see the chiropractor.
Man I don't want to be there -
Re: fused neck
Mobility is primarily for purposes of rottion at the C1-C2 level
Fusing one level of the cervical spine minimally reduces flexion and extension mobility. The other levels of the neck can make up for it. An alternative to fusion is an artificial disc, but the studies are not yet fully conclusive that it is a preferred procedure to a one level arthrodesis (fusion). Should it fail, revision surgery is very difficult and the outcome may not be as bood as if that one lever was first fused.
Steriod injections may shorten the pain period and eventually the disc may lose is water content and shrivel up...and except for an abnormal MRI you may be assymptomatic. However response to Epidural Steriods ESI..does not determine if eventually you will need surgery for your neck. In fact there are studies which are very well controlled and prospective randomized na powertested that say ESI is no better than saline injections.
It does not matter if a neurosurgeon or an orthopaedic fellowship spine surgeon does the operation, but do your research and pick the one you feel is best. Beware of salesmen..
btm's comment above is unfortunately misinformed. There are excellent surgeons in both groups, and I can tell you of failures and bad outcomes by both neurosurgeons and orthopaedic spine surgeons( based on my 30+ years of observation and experience). Case selection is most important and execution of the procedure is equally important.
Chronic pain is an indication for surgery; as well as neurologic dysfunction which does not improve, progressive neurologic deficit, spine compression (myelopathy), and degenerative instability should also be considered.
Properly indicated and properly done a one level discectomy and fusion has a 95+% success rate. However the stats also show that for workers comp as the cause of injury the success rate drops by as much as 50%..thisis due to secondary gain factors..that's just the way it is..Motivation U know..
JMHO and some random thoughts...
Mobility is primarily for purposes of rottion at the C1-C2 level
Fusing one level of the cervical spine minimally reduces flexion and extension mobility. The other levels of the neck can make up for it. An alternative to fusion is an artificial disc, but the studies are not yet fully conclusive that it is a preferred procedure to a one level arthrodesis (fusion). Should it fail, revision surgery is very difficult and the outcome may not be as bood as if that one lever was first fused.
Steriod injections may shorten the pain period and eventually the disc may lose is water content and shrivel up...and except for an abnormal MRI you may be assymptomatic. However response to Epidural Steriods ESI..does not determine if eventually you will need surgery for your neck. In fact there are studies which are very well controlled and prospective randomized na powertested that say ESI is no better than saline injections.
It does not matter if a neurosurgeon or an orthopaedic fellowship spine surgeon does the operation, but do your research and pick the one you feel is best. Beware of salesmen..
btm's comment above is unfortunately misinformed. There are excellent surgeons in both groups, and I can tell you of failures and bad outcomes by both neurosurgeons and orthopaedic spine surgeons( based on my 30+ years of observation and experience). Case selection is most important and execution of the procedure is equally important.
Chronic pain is an indication for surgery; as well as neurologic dysfunction which does not improve, progressive neurologic deficit, spine compression (myelopathy), and degenerative instability should also be considered.
Properly indicated and properly done a one level discectomy and fusion has a 95+% success rate. However the stats also show that for workers comp as the cause of injury the success rate drops by as much as 50%..thisis due to secondary gain factors..that's just the way it is..Motivation U know..
JMHO and some random thoughts...
Re: fused neck
i had a ortho. surgeon operate on my back. L5 S1. he did a great job. accupunture has worked better than anything for muscle spasms. pain meds are bad. do not take them.i would do the surgery route but find a top notch surgeon.even if you have to go to a different state.
agree 100% with JC.
i had a ortho. surgeon operate on my back. L5 S1. he did a great job. accupunture has worked better than anything for muscle spasms. pain meds are bad. do not take them.i would do the surgery route but find a top notch surgeon.even if you have to go to a different state.
agree 100% with JC.
Re: fused neck
Big +1 on pain meds. When I first hurt my back I went to one of the medical centers (cheap for employer) and all they did is give me a bottle of Vicodan (sic). I was in a lot of pain the whole night and basically slept about 20 minutes at a time and popped one every hour or so until the morning (way to many) when I drove to work the next day I stopped in the parking lot and blew chunks for about an hour and layed down in the bed of my truck in what I would describe as an awake coma. Went straight to the doctor after about an hour and a half and to this day will vomit up Vicodan as soon as it touches my tongue. I do not miss that kind of pain. The shooting down the leg pain and numbness really sucked
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shooter65</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i had a ortho. surgeon operate on my back. L5 S1. he did a great job. accupunture has worked better than anything for muscle spasms. pain meds are bad. do not take them.i would do the surgery route but find a top notch surgeon.even if you have to go to a different state.
agree 100% with JC.</div></div>
Big +1 on pain meds. When I first hurt my back I went to one of the medical centers (cheap for employer) and all they did is give me a bottle of Vicodan (sic). I was in a lot of pain the whole night and basically slept about 20 minutes at a time and popped one every hour or so until the morning (way to many) when I drove to work the next day I stopped in the parking lot and blew chunks for about an hour and layed down in the bed of my truck in what I would describe as an awake coma. Went straight to the doctor after about an hour and a half and to this day will vomit up Vicodan as soon as it touches my tongue. I do not miss that kind of pain. The shooting down the leg pain and numbness really sucked
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shooter65</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i had a ortho. surgeon operate on my back. L5 S1. he did a great job. accupunture has worked better than anything for muscle spasms. pain meds are bad. do not take them.i would do the surgery route but find a top notch surgeon.even if you have to go to a different state.
agree 100% with JC.</div></div>
Re: fused neck
SImply put, if you got tingling in the fingers, hand, arm, etc, its probably some nerve issues and I suggest a trip to the neuro post haste!! I am lucky in that my shooting bud is a neurologist, so he pretty much knew what I had going on and I should have acted on his advice to get to the neurosurgeon asap, but I didnt, I farted around, shot, worked, etc and because of that I have residual nerve damage even after surgery. Yeah, avoid surgery if you can, but in stome instances you cant. Keep in mind that my surgery was minimally invasive and I did NOT have a fusion or anything of that sort.
If you hurt, go to the dr asap. Dont let it get worse or cause unreversable damage like i did. Had I not waited, I would probably have a normal thumb right now rather than a numb one.
John
SImply put, if you got tingling in the fingers, hand, arm, etc, its probably some nerve issues and I suggest a trip to the neuro post haste!! I am lucky in that my shooting bud is a neurologist, so he pretty much knew what I had going on and I should have acted on his advice to get to the neurosurgeon asap, but I didnt, I farted around, shot, worked, etc and because of that I have residual nerve damage even after surgery. Yeah, avoid surgery if you can, but in stome instances you cant. Keep in mind that my surgery was minimally invasive and I did NOT have a fusion or anything of that sort.
If you hurt, go to the dr asap. Dont let it get worse or cause unreversable damage like i did. Had I not waited, I would probably have a normal thumb right now rather than a numb one.
John
Re: fused neck
I broke my neck in 8th grade (13 years old) I got a compression fracture of C2, C3 and C4 and tore out all the ligaments between C2-C3. I had a fusion of C2/C3 with bone taken from my hip three months after the injury. I was a varsity swimmer all through high school, spent 5 years in the Air Force and now a police/SWAT officer.
I may be one of the lucky ones but I have had no ill effects from the injury/surgery and it's almost 18 years later. It hasn't impacted my shooting at all.
I felt the most pain in my hip while recovering from surgery. Best of luck to you.
I broke my neck in 8th grade (13 years old) I got a compression fracture of C2, C3 and C4 and tore out all the ligaments between C2-C3. I had a fusion of C2/C3 with bone taken from my hip three months after the injury. I was a varsity swimmer all through high school, spent 5 years in the Air Force and now a police/SWAT officer.
I may be one of the lucky ones but I have had no ill effects from the injury/surgery and it's almost 18 years later. It hasn't impacted my shooting at all.
I felt the most pain in my hip while recovering from surgery. Best of luck to you.
Re: fused neck
Well I am leaving work and going in for the injections at noon today so I hope they will offer some release. I also dont like the pain med but if I have to choose sitting at home doing nothing or taking the med and being able to sit at a desk and work I will take the meds for now.
Well I am leaving work and going in for the injections at noon today so I hope they will offer some release. I also dont like the pain med but if I have to choose sitting at home doing nothing or taking the med and being able to sit at a desk and work I will take the meds for now.
Re: fused neck
First injection done and over with, worst part was the freezing x-ray room they didi it in.
First injection done and over with, worst part was the freezing x-ray room they didi it in.
Re: fused neck
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Cinch</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Where you from, bro? Have you thought about seeing some doctors out of state? </div></div>
Cinch,
I am from Gillette also. If the injections dont work I am lookin at doctors in Rapid or Casper. From what I have read Casper has a real good one.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Cinch</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Where you from, bro? Have you thought about seeing some doctors out of state? </div></div>
Cinch,
I am from Gillette also. If the injections dont work I am lookin at doctors in Rapid or Casper. From what I have read Casper has a real good one.
Re: fused neck
ABSOLUTELY LAST RESORT. I am a retired LEO due to Duty Related spinal injuries. I needed a L4,L5,S1 to stabilize my back in 1998. No other choice,discs and facets were destroyed.Fast forward from Dec98 to March2009-legs weren't working, intractable sciatic nerve pain- cord was impinged over 75% due to stenosis-I had a second fusion operation fusing L3 to L4. Here is a pic of the original hardware that was removed. Now I am home to another 14 well machined pieces of titanium. Now fused from L3-S1 as well as a compression fractured L1. Surgery again was not to be avoided. You are worried about shooting? Guess what,that's the least of your problems.
My injuries were clear and the fusion was the ONLY option. IF you are doing it for pain relief only-DO NOT.
I still suffer chronic pain that requires occasional medication. I lost even more flexibility. I am fortunate to have a very good pension. Back surgery should not be taken lightly. Although a licensed Commercial Pilot-I can no longer maintain a medical certificate for commercial operations- 1 career ended and the next career I had planned after normal retirement is no longer possible.
PLEASE-get all the opinions you can get. Try injections,try therapy. Once your back is fused-your body mechanics are changed forever. Prior to Police Service I was a Mobile Intensive Care Paramedic and my wife is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse with a specialty of Orthopaedic Trauma-please PM me if you have any questions.
ABSOLUTELY LAST RESORT. I am a retired LEO due to Duty Related spinal injuries. I needed a L4,L5,S1 to stabilize my back in 1998. No other choice,discs and facets were destroyed.Fast forward from Dec98 to March2009-legs weren't working, intractable sciatic nerve pain- cord was impinged over 75% due to stenosis-I had a second fusion operation fusing L3 to L4. Here is a pic of the original hardware that was removed. Now I am home to another 14 well machined pieces of titanium. Now fused from L3-S1 as well as a compression fractured L1. Surgery again was not to be avoided. You are worried about shooting? Guess what,that's the least of your problems.
My injuries were clear and the fusion was the ONLY option. IF you are doing it for pain relief only-DO NOT.
PLEASE-get all the opinions you can get. Try injections,try therapy. Once your back is fused-your body mechanics are changed forever. Prior to Police Service I was a Mobile Intensive Care Paramedic and my wife is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse with a specialty of Orthopaedic Trauma-please PM me if you have any questions.
Re: fused neck
Talked with a new Dr. today and I may be looking at an artificial disk replacement. I still have alot of research to do on this one.
Talked with a new Dr. today and I may be looking at an artificial disk replacement. I still have alot of research to do on this one.
G
Guest
Guest
Re: fused neck
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: raptor99</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I had the surgery done about 12 or so years ago. I have three fused with 6 screws and a plate that looks like a bowtie holding them all in place
I had numbness in my last three fingers and so much pain in my right arm I could not sleep anymore. I finally went in and had the surgery done and I am glad I did. I have been pain free and have had no problems since.
The Dr. ask me if I was a bullrider or a profressional fighter. He said the only people he had seen with necks as bad a mine were from one of those two professions.</div></div>
Same here, except mine was in 2001 an was on the left side.
Dr. ask about fighting as well. I went back to shooting a .308 win before PT was even started, then did a 300wm after PT was over and I was back to work.
They went thru the front of my throat, only thing they did not tell me was for about a week you <span style="font-weight: bold">Can Not </span> swollow more than 1/2 teaspoon of water or anything else. I elected to have the spur from my L/S hip bone, used as the new disk material, all the hardware was still installed as well. Took 3-4 hrs to learn how to walk again. Other than all that, it was money well spent, and I did not give up anything after PT was over and I went back to work.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: raptor99</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I had the surgery done about 12 or so years ago. I have three fused with 6 screws and a plate that looks like a bowtie holding them all in place
I had numbness in my last three fingers and so much pain in my right arm I could not sleep anymore. I finally went in and had the surgery done and I am glad I did. I have been pain free and have had no problems since.
The Dr. ask me if I was a bullrider or a profressional fighter. He said the only people he had seen with necks as bad a mine were from one of those two professions.</div></div>
Same here, except mine was in 2001 an was on the left side.
Dr. ask about fighting as well. I went back to shooting a .308 win before PT was even started, then did a 300wm after PT was over and I was back to work.
They went thru the front of my throat, only thing they did not tell me was for about a week you <span style="font-weight: bold">Can Not </span> swollow more than 1/2 teaspoon of water or anything else. I elected to have the spur from my L/S hip bone, used as the new disk material, all the hardware was still installed as well. Took 3-4 hrs to learn how to walk again. Other than all that, it was money well spent, and I did not give up anything after PT was over and I went back to work.
Re: fused neck
FWIW, Have had a recurring old (20 yrs ago when I was 23) traumatic lower spinal issue keep flaming up (L3,4&5). Same deal, Docs telling me surgery was last option only at this stage due to my (relatively) young age. Minor numbness, major pain. Did the epidural cortisoid jabs which were hit/miss, but when they worked, worked very well. Recently been doing accupuncture with a reputable MD who specialises in this field. Been very happy with it as a pain management alternative until steroid kicks in. Definately not a cure, but a great alternative for popping a bucket of pills every day. Like some have said earlier, once you f*** it up, it stays f***ed. You just learn to avoid/aleviate re-occurances.
This is why I love SH, authorative information from subject matter experts in every conceivable field imaginable, mine not included obviously, but pretty sure you wouldn't get this quality of information on 'other' sites, shooting related or otherwise.
Actaeon out.
FWIW, Have had a recurring old (20 yrs ago when I was 23) traumatic lower spinal issue keep flaming up (L3,4&5). Same deal, Docs telling me surgery was last option only at this stage due to my (relatively) young age. Minor numbness, major pain. Did the epidural cortisoid jabs which were hit/miss, but when they worked, worked very well. Recently been doing accupuncture with a reputable MD who specialises in this field. Been very happy with it as a pain management alternative until steroid kicks in. Definately not a cure, but a great alternative for popping a bucket of pills every day. Like some have said earlier, once you f*** it up, it stays f***ed. You just learn to avoid/aleviate re-occurances.
This is why I love SH, authorative information from subject matter experts in every conceivable field imaginable, mine not included obviously, but pretty sure you wouldn't get this quality of information on 'other' sites, shooting related or otherwise.
Actaeon out.
Re: fused neck
Cinch, yeah maybe but that might make all your rifles jealous. From the research so far the artificial disk has a faster healing time and my Dr. says there will be no restrictions after I heal up.
Cinch, yeah maybe but that might make all your rifles jealous. From the research so far the artificial disk has a faster healing time and my Dr. says there will be no restrictions after I heal up.
Re: fused neck
Casper has some good doctors. The neurosurgeons there just built a brand new high dollar place with robotic aids. The main guy there is a Dr. Narotzky. He fused my mother's C1/C2 (rare). She has some rotational deficits but other than that feels great. Her range of motion is mostly compromised laterally.
Cheyenne has a good doctor named Dr. Beer. Yes I said that right. Either of those places can help you find a good a solution and give you some answers about what it will affect.
I've had most of my spine fused because I had bad spinal curvature growing up. Being six foot nine probably doesn't help that either. I really can't tell a difference. Supposedly I can't jump out of airplanes or be an Olympic power lifter. Too bad...
I don't notice any pain or range of motion problems. However, my back does get tense if I am prone for awhile. I think mostly because I don't do it enough. Also I think I had my bipod set a little low. Either way I don't think its something that I cannot fix.
Good luck..
Casper has some good doctors. The neurosurgeons there just built a brand new high dollar place with robotic aids. The main guy there is a Dr. Narotzky. He fused my mother's C1/C2 (rare). She has some rotational deficits but other than that feels great. Her range of motion is mostly compromised laterally.
Cheyenne has a good doctor named Dr. Beer. Yes I said that right. Either of those places can help you find a good a solution and give you some answers about what it will affect.
I've had most of my spine fused because I had bad spinal curvature growing up. Being six foot nine probably doesn't help that either. I really can't tell a difference. Supposedly I can't jump out of airplanes or be an Olympic power lifter. Too bad...
I don't notice any pain or range of motion problems. However, my back does get tense if I am prone for awhile. I think mostly because I don't do it enough. Also I think I had my bipod set a little low. Either way I don't think its something that I cannot fix.
Good luck..
Re: fused neck
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LWILLIAMS</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Talked with a new Dr. today and I may be looking at an artificial disk replacement. I still have alot of research to do on this one. </div></div>
I see a neurosurgeon in a couple of weeks (C5-C6). Read a little about the disc replacement and it sure sounds viable. I know docs are often hesitant to switch procedures. Please post your findings.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LWILLIAMS</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Talked with a new Dr. today and I may be looking at an artificial disk replacement. I still have alot of research to do on this one. </div></div>
I see a neurosurgeon in a couple of weeks (C5-C6). Read a little about the disc replacement and it sure sounds viable. I know docs are often hesitant to switch procedures. Please post your findings.
Re: fused neck
Dr. Narotzky is my Dr. there in Casper. He was my second opinion I was seeking. He tells me I will not get any better just worse. It is just a matter of time till I have one of the procedures. From all of my research and talking to alot of people he is a hell of a Dr. and If I am going to have it done he is a good one to have do it.
Dr. Narotzky is my Dr. there in Casper. He was my second opinion I was seeking. He tells me I will not get any better just worse. It is just a matter of time till I have one of the procedures. From all of my research and talking to alot of people he is a hell of a Dr. and If I am going to have it done he is a good one to have do it.
Re: fused neck
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: EddieNFL</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LWILLIAMS</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Talked with a new Dr. today and I may be looking at an artificial disk replacement. I still have alot of research to do on this one. </div></div>
I see a neurosurgeon in a couple of weeks (C5-C6). Read a little about the disc replacement and it sure sounds viable. I know docs are often hesitant to switch procedures. Please post your findings. </div></div>
I am looking at a C-6 C-7 replacement or fusion
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: EddieNFL</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LWILLIAMS</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Talked with a new Dr. today and I may be looking at an artificial disk replacement. I still have alot of research to do on this one. </div></div>
I see a neurosurgeon in a couple of weeks (C5-C6). Read a little about the disc replacement and it sure sounds viable. I know docs are often hesitant to switch procedures. Please post your findings. </div></div>
I am looking at a C-6 C-7 replacement or fusion
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