Back Pain Forum - Cervical Fusion And Anti-inflammatories

I had a C5-6 discectomy and fusion almost 3 weeks ago. I was instructed not to take anti-inflammatories for 6 months. I am in so much pain from osteoarthritis I can hardly move. I have it in my knees, hips, hands, feet, ankles, shoulders, neck, lower back. I think the only joints not affected are my elbows. And I'm not that old either - only 54. But I feel (and walk) like I'm 80. I look older than my husband and my son (15) jokingly called me grandma

I have been looking up information on some of the OA remedies I've tried in the past. I thought maybe I could take glucosmine and celadrin, however the description of celadrin refers to anti-inflammotory properties. I don't want to compromise the fusion process but I don't think I can last another 5 months with the arthritis pain either. Does anybody know whether the anti-inflammatory effects of celadrin comes close to what would be in typical NSAIDS (Naproxen, Ibuprophen, Celebrex, Vioxx, etc.)?

So far I'm living on Tylenol during the day so I can work - I went back on a part-time basis yesterday - and Oxycodone at night. I wish I could say it's helping with the OA pain, but it's not. I'm also taking plain glucosamine but haven't noticed any change. Right now my neck is the least of my problems with regard to pain.

Mewsishun

Replies(5)

RichT

replied on December 28th, 2007

Active User, very eHealthy

Hello Mewsishun,

I did some researching on the internet regarding non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and spine fusions. Every web site that I checked out said that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should not be used for 4-6 months after a spinal fusion. To use such medications after a fusion surgery greatly puts the success of the fusion at great risk.

Okay, I thought, what about the use of steroidal anti-inflammatory medications after fusion surgery? When I did a bit of internet research I was surprised not to find anything on the subject. The only info that was coming up was the same non-steroidal anrti-inflammatory drugs/spine fusion info.

May I suggest that you speak to your doctor about the terrible pain you are having because of the osteroartritis and not being able to take the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Ask him if perhaps there are other medications that you could take which would take care of your arthritic pain and yet not negatively affect the fusion process in your back.

I wish you the best. Do stay in touch and let us know what you find out from your doctor if you would be so kind to do so.

RichT

mewsishun

replied on December 28th, 2007

New User

Thanks for the reply, Rich. My first post-op visit is next Thursday. I'm definitely going to bring up OA pain and how to manage it. I'll be sure to post what I learn. I'm probably not the only one with this problem and if I can help anyone else it will give my pain some purpose.

Mewsishun

RichT

replied on December 28th, 2007

Active User, very eHealthy

Hello Mewsishun,

I REALLY like your perspective. "if I can help anyone else it will give my pain some purpose." You are my kind of person. You are able to see beyond yourself. WONDERFUL!!!!!

I will look with anticipation to your "update" after your post-op visit with your doctor.

RichT

mewsishun

replied on January 3rd, 2008

New User

Hello Rich,

This is what I learned today. The studies which link fusion failure to anti-inflammatories have all been ANIMAL studies. There really has been nothing with human beings, but doctors have taken the cautious approach and advise against the use of anti-inflammatories for 4-6 months. Also COX-2 inhibitors (i.e. Celebrex) apparently have little effect on fusion.

That said, my doctor gave the go-ahead for using glucosamine/Celadrin combinations (i.e. ReVivex Plus). Also in 3 weeks I can use Glucosatrin (it's a Market America product that has natural COX-2 inhibitors as well as other ant-inflammatory properties). He said with anything involving bone healing, the first 6-7 weeks are the most critical. While it takes 4-6 months for fusion to complete, the majority of the process occurs in the frst 6-7 weeks.

I go back to the doctor the first week of February. Between now and then I have some neck exercises to do in order to regain more motion. He doesn't think I'll need PT. I get to "therapize" myself.

RichT

replied on January 4th, 2008

Active User, very eHealthy

Hello Mewsishun,

Thanks for sharing.

Yes, regarding the "animal studies", that is the same as i have read. It IS a very difficult "task" to translate findings from animal studies into the effects the same thing may have on humans. AND yet, it is far better to err on the side of caution than to use humans in experiments. Oh yes, and humans do become involved in "experiments". Not many options sometimes.

It seems your doctor is progressing on a very thoroughly thought out path for you. I hope all will go well.

By the way, did your doctor ever say anything about the use of steroidal anti-inflamitories?

RichT

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