Spinal surgery question please?

Question

I had the disc removed from between c-5 and c-6. I also had much bone spur material removed from c-5 and c-6. I have all the symptoms which I had prior to my surgery, plus a new one; partial numbness in my left arm, cheifly in my left thumb. My surgeon says this is all "normal" and should go away. But being 5 weeks removed from the surgery, I still feel no different-and with the numbness, a little worse! Am I being impatient? Shouldnt I feel some improvement by now, and would it be wise to get a second opinion??

Answer 1

Let me give you an example: After my back surgery it took almost 8 months for the nerves to return to "normal". Give it time. Waht you feel is the physical effects of the surgery---they had to hold muscle tissue, veins, nerves, etc. in abnormal positions and this, along with the bruising caused some normal trauma to the area. Especially when you remove or fuse bone.
If you really have serious concerns discuss it with your doctor. As specific questions, don't be shy, it's your body and your future.

Dr. Tommy Skelton

Answer 2

to be honest, I never recommend surgery unless all other methods of treatment have been exhausted. WHY?

Because of this exact reason! Some people do get help from surgery, but a lot end up with similar symptoms or worse.....months down the road.

To some degree, it takes a long time for nerves to heal. You may not know full extent until a month or so down the road.

This is my opinion. The surgery may take care of your exact problem, but never addresses compensatory mechanisms that are in place because of this initial problem. These compensations lead to 'their' own problems......often arising after surgery.
These post surgical symptoms, whether they are from the intial problem or compensatory problem, will mimic each other because your nervous system overlaps.