Has anyone had neck surgery for bone spurs which are trapping nerves?

[RedDiamond]

I just want to know if anyone has had neck surgery. What was it like? What was your recovery time? I have two bone spurs either side of my neck (4 in all) which are trapping my nerves so it makes it painful to use my arms and legs and I get quite exhausted from it all. Any knowledge will be gratefully received.

I am sorry to bump my own thread but I am still hoping someone has some knowledge they can share.

Hi, I had neck surgery 7 years ago - discectomy and fusion at C6 and 7. I had a spinal fracture which was unstable and causing nerve pain down one arm. All went well and I have made a full recovery. I had to wear a neck brace for several months but obviously your operation is different. I had some physio and also found pilates really helpful (still do) for improving neck and upper back strength and mobility. Also did lots of walking, building up very gradually at first.

@southchinasea Thank you for replying! I go to see a surgeon tomorrow and will find out how they intend to operate. I have been in great pain at times and the pins and needles down my arms and legs have driven me quite scatty too! I have pain killers to take at night in order to relax my muscles as I get very exhausted by it all.

I must admit I have "primed" myself into getting fitter now, more walking etc.

I did have a wedge compression fracture about a year ago and I remember they told me to walk every day even for a little.

My Boss is keen to know what it all entails as they will have to get someone in to cover my position if I cannot work for a few weeks.

Do hope all goes well and that you feel much more comfortable - I'm sure you will. The nerve pain is hideous. I don't have any of that at all now. I had to have quite a bit of time off work, partly because I work with young children and I couldn't have looked after them safely wearing the neck brace, it was quite restrictive. Plus I had another operation for an unrelated health issue, it was all a complicated time! But am absolutely fine now and I'm sure you will be too. You'll feel so much better.

Getting fitness up before the operation sounds great. I'm trying to think of practical things I did that helped. It feels a long time ago! I couldn't sit or lie down for long at first, had to pace myself and split the night into parts, getting up for a cup of tea and time standing, walking round, sitting, just changing position really. Lying on 2 yoga bolster cushions was great for easing back muscles. Or lying on a foam roller. Sitting at a table on a dining chair, with book propped up on a cookbook stand worked well for reading. Having the food shop delivered and getting in some ready prepped simple food at first. Getting essential pots and pans out at worktop level before the op. I'll see if I can think of any more.

@southchinasea Well I have had my appointment and it was not what I thought I was going to hear. Apparently it is too dangerous for me to have my neck operated on and until my spinal cord is compromised, they are just going to manage it with drugs. They are sending me for an MRI to do a full spinal scan as they believe there are problems with my lower back. Appointment for Rheumatology to check for any Arthritis and I now have a formal diagnosis of Fibromyalgia. I am being prescribed new drugs to take. And, the greatest bit, I will get worse as I go along... Oh, and REST REST REST. Off to find the Gin and to lie down on the sofa and be a good girl and rest.

Thank you for all your suggestions, some of which I will actually put into place even now as they will help.