Hi Doctor: I am a 39 yr old RN and I have an important question to ask you. 
 
In 2002, I had C6-C7 fusion with plate and screws. Now I have a herniation at C5-C6 with radicular pain. My question, is it common for disks above or below a fusion to herniate?

Dr. Joshua’s Answer:

Thank you for your question. The most common levels of cervical disc herniation are C5-6 and C6-C7. The fact that you have a history of cervical disc disease increases your risk of further cervical spine problems, but whether previous anterior cervical discectomy and fusion increases the risk of adjacent level disc herniation is not known. However, if you have had a C6-C7 disc operation, the most likely level to be affected next is C5-C6 because C5-C6 disc herniation is generally much more common than C7-Th1 herniation.