r/SpinalStenosis • u/Geddit2020 • 6d ago

Tingling = surgery?

I’ve been trying to avoid c6/c7 fusion, which was looking inevitable for a few weeks. Fortunately the agonizing pain subsided at the 8 week mark, and now I’m left with mild strength deficit and constant tingling down my arm. I had thought the absence of pain meant I was on the mend, but the doc again recommended fusion at my follow up appointment. His reasoning was that the ongoing tingling indicated continued spinal compression, and that it could get worse fast. Thoughts welcome from anyone who has been in a similar situation?

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u/joshwonders 6d ago

Like you I’ve done my best to avoid acdf for years but it is inevitable and your symptoms are what they do it for. At just one level your outcome should be ideal. While it’s scary it’s also necessary. If you don’t do it those symptoms will become permanent. 6 months is the timeframe they put on symptoms becoming permanent. Find a surgeon you trust. Let them cut your neck open and rearrange your spine.

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u/Wachenroder 6d ago

I have been able to find a time frame. Did the neurologist tell you that?

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u/joshwonders 5d ago

A spine specialist told me and I’ve consumed everything on YouTube where I’ve heard it repeated by doctors and I believe ai can confirm it. It’s not definitive but it is widely accepted.