Question
Hello,
     I had a fusion in  Sept 99.It went great.
About 2 years ago I have star having pain on my right side of neck that would come and go but for about 4 months now it has not gonw away its getting worse.Now my neck shoulder arm hurt me everyday..I had a x-ray that did not show anything but they said my fusion sticks out like a sore thumb.I am in pain.Do you know what could be wrong?

Answer
Hello Angie,

   You may want to have a MRI of the cervical spine.  A MRI will show the cartilage/disc and all soft tissues around the joint which xray's do not.  Often with in 5-8 years after a fusion the joints above and below the fusion, have premature degeneration.  After the MRI a diagnosis and treatment plan can be established.

Have a great day,
Dr. Brendon O'Brien D.C.