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Cervical surgery for C4 to C7 for spinal cord stenosis?

A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭
Bayamón, PR
September 15
 · 
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Answer Summary

Members connected over the topic of cervical surgery for spinal cord stenosis, sharing their own experiences with procedures ranging from... Read more

Members connected over the topic of cervical surgery for spinal cord stenosis, sharing their own experiences with procedures ranging from spinal fusion to cage placements with rods and screws. Several members described trying epidurals, trigger shots, and ablations before turning to surgery, with mixed results, and one member noted that lupus-related inflammation can contribute to spinal disease. A recurring theme was community encouragement, with members offering prayers and well wishes to those facing upcoming surgeries.

A MyLupusTeam Member

Hi ElishaHoustan I had 6 Epidurals, 1 Trigger shot and 2 Ablations. None of it worked on my L4 L5 & S1. One Dr. wanted to give me a Laminectomy with 3 screws in my back. My 2nd opinion told me no surgery because there’s no guarantee that my pain & numbness down to my foot would subside. I choose to take the Gabapentin..
😞🙏🏼🙏🏼💜🩷

September 15
MyLupusTeam

Cervical spine surgery, like a fusion for spinal stenosis between C4 and C7, is a significant procedure for anyone — and having lupus adds some extra layers to consider. Lupus can affect the spine through inflammation, nerve damage, and the long-term effects of medications like prednisone, which can weaken bones over time.

Show Full Answer

Cervical spine surgery, like a fusion for spinal stenosis between C4 and C7, is a significant procedure for anyone — and having lupus adds some extra layers to consider. Lupus can affect the spine through inflammation, nerve damage, and the long-term effects of medications like prednisone, which can weaken bones over time.

Here are some key things to keep in mind:

- Tell your surgeon about your lupus diagnosis upfront so they can plan accordingly
- Loop in your rheumatologist — they need to know about the surgery, especially if lupus disease activity isn't well controlled
- Discuss your current lupus medications — some, like steroids, may need to be adjusted before and after surgery
- Bone health matters — long-term steroid use can increase the risk of osteoporosis, which is relevant when fusing vertebrae
- Nerve involvement — lupus can cause peripheral neuropathy, which may affect recovery after spinal surgery Some MyLupusTeam members have shared their experiences with spinal surgery: one noted that a lumbar fusion "made a world of difference" with no pain afterward, while others have navigated multiple spinal surgeries alongside their lupus management.

Recovery can be more complex with lupus, so having a coordinated care team — your rheumatologist and surgeon working together — is really important for the best outcome. Always follow pre-surgery instructions closely, and don't hesitate to ask your doctors about lupus-specific risks.

September 15
A MyLupusTeam Member

@A MyLupusTeam Member i understand, thats what the surgeon told me also, that with time i wil have to get that C3 fixed.

September 29
A MyLupusTeam Member

The inflammation caused by lupus can definitely contribute to spinal disease and stenosis, but healthy people can also get these issues.😘

September 18
A MyLupusTeam Member

Praying for you I had a cage put in 2010 c3 to c7 this May I had to have the 2-3thru t 2 with steel rods and screws the said there hopeful it stops there

September 17

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