Cervical stenosis

General
1

does anyone else have or deal with cervical stenosis. My last surgery in 09 for basilar invagination, included the odontoidectomy and a fusion. I found out a couple years ago, I have some loosening of the screws from the fusion, and severe stenosis. Surgeon wants to do an anterior cervical discectomy of c 3-6 and a complete fusion. After already going thru 2 neurosurgeries, the first in 94, I am hesitant, but the stenosis causes severe left shoulder arm and hand pain, and has resulted in significant weakening of my left arm. Its a good thing I'm right handed, as I am cont. to work as a psychiatric nurse in a local ER (not as physical, but hey, three 12 hr shifts a week is still brutal.) But I love my job and I need the insurance. My spine is a wreck, maybe this is why the screws loosened, bones in neck not strong enough to hold them in. I'm thinking there may be a lot of us with co morbid spinal problems. For a long time, I assumed my shoulder pain etc was the syringo/ACM. I think we may be quick to blame everything on that.

Billie

2

I had ACDF C5-C6 surgery in October. I can say it helped the neck pain immensely. Some of the feeling in my arm came back about 2 months post op. Recovery was a bit slower than I expected, out of work 2 months. I am in a physically demanding job. I reccomend going back part time at first to ensure you are really ready to be back full time. The surergy itself went very well. I have stenosis as well and now at 6 months post op I can say I Am 90% sure I need to have thoratic surgery as well. I would not hesitate to have another surgery like I did in October as I believe the cord compression creates many symptoms that cross over with Chiari. The surgery did not help the headaches. But did improve my motor function in my hands. Let me know if you have further questions!