WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER NECK SURGERY
Ask a doctor about a specific recovery plan following surgery. It is important to follow doctor’s instructions carefully to recover from surgery as quickly as possible and to increase the chances of a successful outcome. Cervical fusion surgery and cervical disc replacement surgery are both considered major surgery. A patient can expect to stay in the hospital for approximately one day. As with any major surgery, some discomfort and a period of rehabilitation should be expected.
After surgery, a doctor or nurse may:
- Prescribe medicines to control pain and nausea
- Demonstrate how to care for a wound before a patient is sent home
- Demonstrate how to take care of a drainage tube in a wound, if that is included in therapy
- Discuss a program to gradually increase activity
- Advise how to wear a neck brace after surgery
- Advise that a patient should avoid activities that require repeated bending, lifting and twisting, and also athletic activities
- Schedule a follow up appointment
PHYSICAL THERAPY
After surgery, a doctor may refer a patient to a physical therapist to learn exercises on how to improve strength and increase mobility. The goal of physical therapy is to help a person become active as soon as possible, using safe body movements that protect the spine. This often includes neck strengthening exercises. A person may also be taught different ways of positioning their neck to avoid reinjuring their spine.
WARNING SIGNS
Contact your doctor immediately if:
- A fever develops
- The wound starts leaking blood (red streaks) or pus (a thick yellowish or greenish liquid, which may consist of bacteria)
- Swallowing or breathing becomes difficult
- Urination becomes difficult
- There is new or increased neck or arm pain, numbness, or weakness
