Researching Spinal Fusion at C5/C6

**Tim L** · 02-12-2010, 02:31 PM

Hi,

About me, I’m 39 and actively managing a degenerating disc C5/6. From the forum, it’s obvious that I’m not alone in this. It’s been ongoing now for about 3 years. When it first became an issue I was doing renovations on my new house, some lifting, flooring etc. I have a bit of scoliosis and have always managed some back pain so I likely wasn’t as diligent in managing symptoms as I could have been.

It resulted in some very severe pain in my left arm, loss of muscle strength across my shoulder, left bicep and forearm and loss of sensation and coordination in my left hand. Through some conservative treatments I was able to get the symptoms under control and over about 8 months the feeling and strength in my left arm returned about 98%.

I’m experiencing a renewed onset of symptoms and am back to my regime of decompression therapy and anti inflammatory supplements, diet decisions and meds. Scans show that c5 has slipped forward a bit, the disc is compressed and I’m developing bone spurs, no spinal chord compression though. From what I’ve read, leaving this for too long prior to surgery can make the surgery more complicated so I’ve gotten proactive in exploring my options. .

My GP only presented me with the option of spinal fusion as an invasive procedure, while warning me about increasing wear on adjacent joints etc. I’m very active and earn part of my living and enjoyment in life through being a percussionist. I’m convinced that a fusion would result in my wearing out the adjacent discs in short order, so, it’s not an option in my books. I also have a compressed lumbar disc that has caused occasional sciatica etc.

It has been difficult finding information on artificial disc replacement in Canada, but, my wife is Swiss German with lots of family in Europe so traveling there for surgery is somewhat realistic.

**ajj1001** · 02-12-2010, 05:46 PM

Hi Tim, I have lumbar problems not cervical but have heard alot of good outcomes with cervical adr. Hope you find a way through your problems to renewed good health soon.

**Moni** · 02-12-2010, 07:58 PM

Hello Tim,
Welcome to a great site.I'm still a newbie too and am still learning!!
There are lots of knowlegable people on this site who have 'been there, done that' and they are kind enough to share their sometimes hard won experiences with us Newbies...
I have found in just the short time I've been reading the posts and links here that I have gained more understanding about my condition and what can or may be possibly done to help me than 3 and half years of dr visits!
Very uplifting and hopeful.
Cheers
mg

**scduggan** · 02-12-2010, 10:10 PM

Welcome to the website!

I am a lumbar patient also, but I am glad you found us. It seems like there are so MANY cervical patients doing really well with ADR--a lot of them travelled to Germany. You would be in great shape to have family there should you decide on the medical tourism route. :thumpup: Good Luck and I hope you find some answers.
CD

**Katie** · 02-13-2010, 12:24 PM

Hi Tim, and welcome. It's nice to see another Canadian on board. There are at least half a dozen who have checked in, I think. We have our own unique set of problems with our medical system. It is good to know that you have to option of traveling overseas, as that is what pretty much all of us have done.

If you have any specific questions, please don't hesitate to ask!

**Justin** · 02-13-2010, 03:31 PM

Hi Tim,

Welcome to the Spine Patient Society!

I'm sorry you are dealing with spine issues that are getting progressively worse. Where is your scoliosis located? Placement of artificial disc replacement devices is typically avoided in scoliotic regions of the spine, as the disc can actually make scoliosis worse. We've had two Spine Patients here at the Spine Patient Society that have experienced artificial disc induced scoliosis that subsequently required revision (explantation of the devices, very dangerous).

Feel free to have a look around the website and let us know if you have any questions. Once again welcome and I wish you the very best.

**Tim L** · 02-13-2010, 06:32 PM

Thanks for the welcome everyone,

Justin, thanks for the information. Did the patients with adr induced scoliosis have cervical implants?

My condition is primariliy thorasic, with an apex of about 15 degrees. I do have slight curves in my neck and lumbar that appear to be compensatory.

**Dave** · 02-13-2010, 07:27 PM

Welcome Tim,

I had the option of fusion or ADR on my C5-6 and C6-7. Since the two levels above that are going bad, I opted for ADR at both levels. Had I gone with fusion, I would have ended up being fused at 4 levels eventually and that did not fit into my life plans. My C4-5 is getting worse, but it would have been totally gone by now due to Adjacent Segment degeneration. I had numerous spurs on these levels to the point that it would have self fused if left untreated. Although I did not have slippage, I had 50-60% degeneration in those levels as well.

I had the same symptoms in my left arm as you have and have regained 80-90 % since surgery. I'm not sure if the left arm will ever be 100% again but it is a heck of a lot better than it was.

Good luck in your search and let us know how we can support you along the way.

**Justin** · 02-15-2010, 08:48 PM

Originally Posted by Tim L

Thanks for the welcome everyone,

Justin, thanks for the information. Did the patients with adr induced scoliosis have cervical implants?

My condition is primariliy thorasic, with an apex of about 15 degrees. I do have slight curves in my neck and lumbar that appear to be compensatory.

Hi Tim, the Spine Patients I am referring to had lumbar artificial disc replacement induced scoliosis. It is noteworthy that these Spine Patients demonstrated scoliosis preoperatively--placing an artificial disc replacement device further induced their curves.