Question
QUESTION: Hello Dr.
I am 4 weeks removed from a discectomy and fusion on c5-7. I was having weakness and muscle atrophy in my arms and legs which led me to the Dr. and after mutliple test, and MRI of the spine found the problem.  My questions are that I am having pain in the middle of my back and upper back and I am worried that something is wrong, or is this normal pain to have 4 weeks after surgery. Also my throat feels tight like I have a lump in it, thats where the Dr. went in from the front of my neck, and I am worried that something is wrong.  I had never had a surgery before this, I am 30 years old and these things have me worried as I don't know what to expect. I try to get info about this on-line but everywhere i go people talk about what a nightmnare their surgery was and now im scared.  Thank you in advance for your help.   Anthony
ANSWER: Although I am not a physician, I can tell you that there is swelling of the spinal cord after surgery and that can cause weakness and pain.  The swelling can take several weeks to subside following the operation.  Since you are only one month post-op and your physician and MRIs verify no problem, I think that you are doing just fine.  If you continue to see no improvement in the next four weeks, I recommend returning to your doctor.  At this point, I believe that you are experiencing the normal post-operative pain and weakness.  The throat tightness is also fairly common with a cervical fusion done from the front.

Thank you for your question, Anthony. I hope that my answer has provided you some relief.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your prompt reply Jerry.  I guess my follow up questions for you is since I had a cervical spine surgery is it normal to be experiencing pain in the middle of my back, much lower down my spine from where the fusion took place?  and also do you know if I will regain the muscle I've lost in my arms? Thank you very much for your time Jerry, it is much appreciated.        Anthony  

Answer
Pain can be referred to other areas of the body including parts that are lower than the surgical site.  Physical therapy can be done to help you regain muscle strength but it is important not to start too early so you can avoid any stress on the surgical area.

Thanks for the follow-up, Anthony.