How long does pain last after cervical neck surgery?

After Surgery The surgical site in your neck will be sore for a few days. You will be encouraged to walk as soon as you are able as this will help speed your recovery. You may need to wear a soft or rigid collar for four to six weeks.

How long does recovery take after neck surgery?

After both procedures patients are usually discharged from the hospital within 1-2 days. It will take between 4 and 6 weeks before light work can be accomplished, while full recovery usually takes between 2 and 3 months. If necessary your doctor may suggest physical therapy sessions to aid recovery.

What can you not do after cervical spine surgery?

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 are the side effects of neck surgery?

What are the risks of neck surgery?

• bleeding or hematoma at the surgical site.
• infection of the surgical site.
• injury to the nerves or spinal cord.
• leakage of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF)
• C5 palsy, which causes paralysis in the arms.
• degeneration of areas adjacent to the surgical site.

How should I sleep after neck surgery?

SLEEPING AFTER SURGERY The best sleeping position to reduce your pain after surgery is either on your back with your knees bent and a pillow under your knees or on your side with your knees bent and a pillow between your legs.

When should you get 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.

What pillow do chiropractors recommend for neck pain?

With a supportive waterbase core, the Mediflow Water Pillow is the top choice when it comes to chiropractic pillows. The placement of the waterbase allows for evenly distributed support for your head and neck, regardless of the sleeping position you choose.

What are the symptoms of C5 compression?

Compression of the C5 nerve will produce numbness, paresthesias (pins and needles) and pain into the top of the shoulder and the top of the arm but these symptoms will not radiate down below the elbow.

What to expect after anterior cervical fusion surgery?

After anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) surgery (a surgery to treat damaged or worn discs in your neck): You will wake up from surgery in a recovery area of the hospital. A nurse will monitor your vital signs until you are ready to leave the area. You may have a sore throat and difficulty swallowing for a few days.

What to expect after cervical disc replacement surgery?

Your recovery from surgery starts as soon as your surgeon finishes closing the incision. Knowing what to expect after cervical disc replacement surgery can help you prepare for a smooth recovery period. After surgery, you can expect to spend up to 24 hours in the hospital.

What is recovery like from cervical fusion?

Recovery from cervical fusion depends on a number of factors. As mentioned, the surgery is considered a success when the symptoms are improved, and the bone has healed across the fused vertebrae. This fusion process usually takes two to three months.