I was wondering if anyone out there has had neck surgery on a bluging disc . I am suppose to go have surgery.?

Question

Its in my C4 C5 disc and i have been to one doctor alreay and he said only thing to do is to have surgery , it would help to talk to people who has had this surgery done thanks .

Answer 1

I had discectomy of C3-4, C4-5. Along with bone grafting (from the hip) and a titanium plate.

Not fun, but I'm still leading a regular life.

Recovery is quite variable.

These surgeries are done from the front OR the back, usualy not both.

Ask your surgeon about hospital time, recovery time, etc in your case.

If you're worried, get a second opinion. Any surgeon that gets #$@# about a patient getting another opinion is a little TOO egotistical.

Answer 2

My husband had the exact same surgery as described by ckm1956. He, too, was told he first had to try therapy and other alternatives and, because it was an insurance requirement, he did it. He was a Police Officer at the time and the outcome of all the therapies they had him try was a complete atrophy of the muscle area next to his shoulder blade, as well as his right arm from the elbow down. He could use his upper right arm, as in moving his shoulder, but from the elbow down his arm atrophied to the point that he could not only not draw his weapon but he could not even pick up a fork and get a bite of food to his mouth.

He, like the others on here, spoke more often of the issues with pain from the hip where they took the bone graft than from his neck. I think, really, that his neck actually felt better even with the brace.

Of course, he can no longer skydive or rodeo; but, overall, he said it was an easy surgery, all things considered. He has full range of motion in his neck and, other than the above, he still does all the other things that he's ever done.

A second opinion (and even a third) opinion is always a good idea when it comes to allowing anyone to perform surgery on your neck. That is a very critical area in which to have disc issues and you definitely want the best of the best surgeon. Again, if your surgeon gets offended that you want a second opinion, then the other answerer is right ~ that surgeon is far too cocky and full of himself and i'd never allow him to perform surgery on me. Remember, 'Confidence is that thing we get right before we screw up.'

I would tell you that my husband's biggest concern was having full movement after surgery. There are some somewhat scary documents you sign prior to surgery. When you decide on a surgeon, ask him to show you the forms *before* you go to the hospital, read them over, and schedule an appointment with him to go over them to address any concerns you have. For the greatest part, though, those forms are forms required by the surgeon's malpractice insurance carrier and you know how overboard insurance companies go with that stuff.

Best wishes to you for a full, complete and wonderful recovery. Please don't mess around with this; your cervical area is crucial. Wishing you a very uneventful surgery and a very rapid recovery! =)

Answer 3

I have had this surgery and it was tolerable. My incision is on the front of my neck and their is virtualy no scar. I had to waer a neck brace for about 5weeks afterwards. That was a little uncomfortable but it was necessary because your muscle in your neck need to get strong. Usually a piece of bone is taken from your hip to use as replacement bone in your neck , I had more discomfort at that graft site than at the site of the surgery in my neck. As far as residual side effects I still have a bit of dificulty turning my neck but it isn't anything painful or ugly. There is a saying that health professionals learn (I'm told) when learning about the cervical spine - "C4-C5 keep you alive" , it kind of reminds one of how important tis area is. Good Luck with your surgery and may you get well soon!

Answer 4

I had this surgery a few years ago. They took a piece of bone from my hip to form a new bone for my neck. Actually, my hip bothered me more than my neck afterwards. It felt more like a stiffness, but I'm glad I had it done. Before I had it done, the insurance company insisted I try therapy first. That made it worse. Good luck and don't worry. If you live alone, I would stock up on food/supplies, because you won't be able to drive and lift for a little while.

Mepurrs

Answer 5

They told me that for mine the odds were less than 50% that I would be as good as before I started out, with a very high chance of being paralyzed (15years ago)
Muscles can have knots (trigger points) that make them tight which in turn put pressure on nerves and other things.
Molasses - a couple of swigs or Bananas 1 or 2 - both contain magnesium and potassium for muscles.
Try working with the principles taught in The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook by Davies.
I use a chiropractor and massage therapist with it

Answer 6

I've known several people over the years that have had surgery on their back. The overwhelming concensus is they have regretted it. NEVER have back surgery UNLESS there is no alternative. I've seen too many people messed up after back surgery. I don't mean to scare you but do get a second and third opinion from back specialists prior to anyone puttin a scalpel to your back....

Answer 7

i agree with ccguy on this one. surgery should be your very last resort. the body is so capable of healing itself. you have to be disciplined to allow this to happen, such as, avoid lifting, small prolonged task. you will be limited for some time and may have to wear a brace to allow proper healing. many doctors give you the "only thing to do is surgery", because surgery is a big money making ordeal, i see it often, unfortunately. it is your body, get smart. good luck.

Answer 8

I had cervical spinal fusion. I had 2 buldging disks, that were actually touching my spinal cord. I had one of the best Dr's, in the country. Please I can NOT stress this enough. This is spine surgery. As my Dr put it, the neck one is the worst & most painful to do. Research your Dr, and check out his credentials. I have heard too many horror stories from others who just went to Dr. Joe blow. Good luck!

Answer 9

Have you tried injection therapy yet? Often surgery can be put off for years with injections. Ask to see an interventional pain management specialist to discuss your options.

Good luck