Hey everyone. Just wanted to throw this question out there since it's been on my mind for awhile during my recovery from two-level ACDF (C5/6 and 6/7) a little over two months ago. I started using a bone stimulator a few weeks after my surgery, and one of my concerns prior to using it was whether the stimulator could trigger additional arthritic osteophyte growth -- which I have quite a bit of at most levels in my neck and definitely is a source of pain for me. My surgeon did not think it was a big concern and definitely supported the decision to use a bone stimulator.

While I recognize the upmost importance of facilitating the fusion process (especially in multi-level situations like mine), I do find myself wondering sometimes whether this thing might be "over stimulating" those osteophytes in my neck -- as some of that grinding and bone-crunching type of pain has definitely picked up since surgery. It's something I'm going to discuss with him again at my 3 month follow up in a few weeks, but I tend to defer to his opinion and judgement since I trust him a great deal.

Just thought it was an interesting topic and was curious if anyone has any thoughts on the issue.

Also, if anyone has any thoughts or experiences with PT post cervical fusion (when and how aggressive) I'd love to hear those as well.

Thanks, and hope everyone is hanging in there and doing as well as possible!

Scott