Question
Hi: I am a 40 year old, healthy and fit woman that had an ACDF surgery at C4/5 in December. This was for a disk herniation and arm/hand pain (Left) that had been going on for greater than two years, post a severe rear end collision. I was struck from behind.  When I was younger (20 years ago), I was in a rollover accident where I sustained multiple thoracic compression fractures. I was fine and then the MVA a couple of years ago re-aggravated the old fractures, much like a strain but mostly was fine until my recent ACDF. I am 8 weeks post surgery, and immediately post surgery had severe pain radiating down my shoulder into my back. Now that I am off all meds and functioning normally, I am having some severe thoracic pain, (Left) that is reminiscent of my original compression fractures. This pain is radiating around to the side of my ribs. So, when the titanium plate was inserted to stabilize the vertebrae at C4 and C5, did this somehow create an alignment issue or some other issue that is causing this pain mid thoracic? (old fxs were C5/C6/C8 I think). My insurance ends this month and I am not quite sure how to address this with my surgeon or if this may be a 'normal' adjustment with my back re-stabilizing or re-aligning due to the titanium plate fusion. Just wondering what your thoughts are?  On the other hand, if I need to address it, I don't have much time left. Thank you so much for any feedback. Warm regards, Heidi

Answer
Heidi,
Once you have had surgery you instantly become limited and have to deal with the consequences for the rest of your life.  there is a high chance that you did not actually need the surgery, but since you have already had it and you are now in this position, I highly recommend that you talk to your surgeon about what you should expect and if ther is any further work that would need to be done.
You can still have a decent quality of life from this point forward so I suggest keeping in touch with your doctor.
Best of luck to you.
Yours in Best Health,
Dr Arnone