For those who had a cervical fusion or really any fusion, How long did the pain last? Mine is killing me and I know it is still very very ealry, but geez pain or vicoden and sleep. No middle ground. The worst par was I was sitting in my chair and my neck cracked (still in hard brace) and boy o boy did that send major and masive pain. Incidently it was on the same side of the incision just inscision in front cracking hnappening in back.
It took about 4 or 5 days for there to be no pain at all. Where was your fusion at. That may be the difference. Did they go through the front?
yes it was at the front and by the doctors c5-c6 and c6-c7. but insurance called earlier and said c4-c5 was involved too. Doc didn't call back to confirm will try again tomorrow to confirm. Did you have any problem with your neck feel like it was "popping". Had it earlier really bad then nothing , I wonder if it is due to some of the swelling going down.
I had 5,6 and 7 fused. Every now and then it did pop and send like a shooting stabbing feeling down neck into arm. I know they said to keep brace on but what I would do is get a flexiable soft icepack with a towel. go to your bed with a pillow or recliner take the brace off and put pack on your neck back. Only keep it on there 10 to 15min. Make sure not to move neck to much without the brace. My ACDF was Dec 27th 2011 tbh it probably saved this semester and going to allow me to graduate this semester.
Mike...
How did I miss your post??? OMG..I just sent you a message...thinking your operation was this coming Monday! I am so sorry!!!
Do you use ice on the area?? that helped me some.
I , personally did not find the neck brace to be helpful...so, I didn't use it..only when in the car.
I hope you are feeling better today.
Again..so sorry that I goofed up on your surgery date.
Peace,
Lori