Is cervical spine surgery a major surgery?
A single-level cervical fusion involves two adjacent vertebrae in the cervical spine being fused together. While it is a relatively safe and routine procedure, it is still major surgery. Patients are correct to ask many questions before committing to it, including how neck mobility might be affected.
How long does it take to recover from cervical spine surgery?
You may have trouble sitting or standing in one position for very long and may need pain medicine in the weeks after your surgery. You may need to wear a neck brace for a while. It may take 4 to 6 weeks to get back to your usual activities.
What is the success rate of cervical spine surgery?
Cervical (Neck) Stenosis Surgery This procedure can be done as a day surgery procedure or with a one-day hospital stay with return to regular activity within the week and generally a 90% success rate.
Is cervical spine surgery painful?
You’ll feel some pain in the area operated on, but it should ease over time. The fusion can take anywhere from three months to a year to become solid after surgery, and you could still have some symptoms during that time.
How long does throat hurt after cervical fusion?
This should be worn at all times (including in bed) but may be removed for showering. 3) About 3-4 days after surgery, you throat will become swollen. This usually lasts 1-2 days and you may want to sleep in a recliner for that time. It improves quickly but call the office if it persists.
When should you consider neck surgery?
If cervical degeneration causes myelopathy (spinal cord dysfunction), radiculopathy (dysfunction of nerves to the neck or arms), neck pain, or abnormal neck motion, surgery may be necessary. The surgical goal is to reduce pain and restore spinal stability.
Can you eat after cervical fusion?
After your surgery you will be given a ‘Cervical Diet’ in hospital. The diet will consist of soft, easy to chew foods. You should also choose foods and beverages that are high in protein to assist in healing and recovery. It is also important to keep your fluid intake high.
What can you not do after cervical fusion?
No driving while on narcotics or if you were given a neck brace to wear. No lifting more than 5 pounds (about a gallon of milk) for the first 2 weeks after surgery. No lifting more than 25 pounds for an additional 4 weeks (six weeks total). No sexual activity for the first week after surgery, after that as comfortable.
What to expect during and after a cervical spine surgery?
– Pain that moves around. Some patients are surprised that the most bothersome pain immediately following ACDF surgery may not be in the neck but rather in the upper back and – Swallowing. – Speaking. – Mental health. – Bowel movements.
What is the recovery time from cervical spine surgery?
Neck Fusion Recovery.
How much does a cervical spine surgery cost?
We are told this cost is $90,000 US dollars. Nodding, shaking one’s head, looking up at the sky – a cervical disc prosthesis should allow one to enjoy the full range of life’s activities. This is one reason why the use of disc replacements that preserve movement has become increasingly established in recent years as an alternative to fusion (ACDF).
Which doctor should I See for cervical spine problems?
You do not have any other symptoms aside from neck pain.