Thanks for sharing this. I'm 7 months post ACDF surgery and have been having the same symptoms of sometimes extreme pain. Muscle spasms, scapula area pain, neck, shoulder and arm pain, numbness in my hand and tingling, electric current sensations in my arm and arm and hand weakness. I can't work anymore and I have a very hard time doing much of anything around the house. I'm 45 woman who was in good physical condition prior to surgery. I was told I have fibromyalgia and am stuck taking loads of meds or I can't even get out of bed. I've been treated rudely by all my doctors since then as they all think I'm faking this somehow to be lazy and take hydrocodone. I seriously don't know. It's awful and I am seeing a new neurosurgeon now and I'm hoping this one will be better. Also, looking into a THORACIC OUTLET SYNDROME specialist, as these symptoms would be missed by any other specialists not familiar with it. Definitely don't give up! I'd recommend not having surgery. Only if you are going to lose function in your body would I recommend doing it. It usually does not fix pain and causes other problems.
I know this is an older post..but i had severe pain between my shoulder blades following ACDF surgery. Immediately when i came to from surgery i had this incredibly intense zapping sensation....it felt like i had a tens unit (ON HIGH) inbetween my shoulder blades...i said something to the doctor and he said muscle spasm....well its the worst spasm i ever had....i wont give u all details i went thru til it finally felt better....i did dry needling....they say its not painful for some but it was for me. But it was worth it because it worked....i mean i couldnt live with that pain constantly.....they did it where i was having physical therapy.....so for anyone feeling desperate u might want to give it a try....oh and it didnt go away til they actually stuck the needles under the shoulder blade area
c56 fusion in 2011. Relieved right arm symptoms. But just like all the other posts here, stabbing pain between shoulder blades on left side. Surgeon said everything is good. Finally found surgeon that said failed fusion. Went to a few more to get consensus, they all said fused. The one's that said fused were either same hospital or alumni with operating surgeon. I've been in hell since the operation. My gut feeling is this is all true -it is a non-union. Feels like hot knife stabbing between shoulder blade and spine. They used a PEEK cage in case it helps. Somebody please help us.
I had a second cervical fusion May 29, 2019. This time I was fused from C2 to T2. I am also fused from S1 to T12. I am having so much pain now that I am having a really difficult time sleeping. I am hurting severely between my shoulder blades and my right shoulder hurts and down my right arm. I am also hurting in the middle of my back around my bra strap area into my rib cage. The one good thing from having the cervical fusion, I no longer have the migraines I have had for years. I do get these extremely sharp pains in my neck randomly all throughout the day and night that will just make me stop dead in my tracks because of the pain the cause. I have no idea what they are. I am scheduled to see my surgeon on 09/07 for a follow up and I intend to let him know how much I hurt. I am working full time as an office manager, but everyone keeps telling me I need to file for disabililty. I want to finish my schooling for my bachelors degree. I am not ready to stop working. Can anyone make any suggestions?
I had two cervical surgerys 4 months apart.i get muscle spasms all the time between my shoulder blades.all down my shoulder blades hurt and are stiff and sore very pain full ..kinks in my neck wake up with headaches from having a stiff neck.my chest and the back of my shoulders ache..and stay sore.my whole upper half stays sore..they stretched my esulfigus and said my esulfigus is touching my spine.wow
I have had 3 neck surgery 2 back to back almost 4 yrs ago can't swallow they left material pressing up against my esulfegus and I have terrible chest pain and upper back pain between my shoulderblades it's terrible
Hi everyone i just had my spine fused together i have terrible. Pain through out my shoulder blades i cant even lay down i try my left right and my back the pain is so severe i cant breathe all i do is cry.
Health Hero
1626 posts
Hi, guest.
It is important to seek medical attention immediately if you are experiencing severe pain following spinal surgery. You should contact your surgeon or primary care physician right away to discuss your symptoms and determine the best course of action.
In the meantime, here are some steps that you can take to help manage your pain:
- Take pain medication as prescribed: Your doctor may have prescribed pain medication to help manage your pain. It is important to take this medication as prescribed to help manage your pain.
- Apply ice or heat: Applying ice or heat to the affected area can help reduce swelling and inflammation, which may help to alleviate your pain. You can apply a cold pack or a warm compress to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time.
- Practice relaxation techniques: Deep breathing exercises, meditation, and guided imagery can help to relax your muscles and reduce tension, which may help to alleviate your pain.
- Use a body pillow: Using a body pillow to support your body while you sleep can help to alleviate pressure on your spine and reduce your pain.
- Practice gentle exercises: Your doctor may recommend gentle exercises or physical therapy to help alleviate your pain and improve your mobility.
It is important to follow your doctor's instructions and attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to ensure that your recovery is progressing as expected. If you experience any new or worsening symptoms, contact your doctor right away.
It is important to seek medical attention immediately if you are experiencing severe pain following spinal surgery. You should contact your surgeon or primary care physician right away to discuss your symptoms and determine the best course of action.
In the meantime, here are some steps that you can take to help manage your pain:
- Take pain medication as prescribed: Your doctor may have prescribed pain medication to help manage your pain. It is important to take this medication as prescribed to help manage your pain.
- Apply ice or heat: Applying ice or heat to the affected area can help reduce swelling and inflammation, which may help to alleviate your pain. You can apply a cold pack or a warm compress to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time.
- Practice relaxation techniques: Deep breathing exercises, meditation, and guided imagery can help to relax your muscles and reduce tension, which may help to alleviate your pain.
- Use a body pillow: Using a body pillow to support your body while you sleep can help to alleviate pressure on your spine and reduce your pain.
- Practice gentle exercises: Your doctor may recommend gentle exercises or physical therapy to help alleviate your pain and improve your mobility.
It is important to follow your doctor's instructions and attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to ensure that your recovery is progressing as expected. If you experience any new or worsening symptoms, contact your doctor right away.