Post-Operative Care Patients are instructed to avoid bending and twisting of the neck in the early postoperative period (first 2-4 weeks). Patients can gradually begin to bend and twist their neck after 2-4 weeks as the pain subsides and the neck and back muscles get stronger.
Putting undue stress on a bone that needs healing often exacerbates an injury. Apply that same concept to recovery from spinal surgeries. Avoid bending at all after a lumbar fusion if possible, as bending or twisting can interfere with the way the fusion heals and even damage the work that was done.
Avoid excessive bending, twisting, pushing, pulling, or lifting anything more than 10 pounds for the first week. If you were fitted with a neck brace or soft collar, please wear it for most of the day when you are active for a total of 6 weeks.
Don't forget about your restrictions for the first 6 weeks after surgery. You need to avoid twisting and bending. You also need to avoid lifting, pushing or pulling objects greater than 5 lbs. Lifting and activity restrictions will be gradually removed as the healing process takes place.
1-4 weeks after Spine Surgery
This helps in promoting healing and fusion of the vertebrae, as well as strengthening the muscles of the back. At this stage of recovery, there are several important activity restrictions that patients need to follow: No bending at the back. Bending at the knee and hips is fine.
The spinal fusion procedure permanently fuses the targeted vertebrae of the spine. This process also permanently eliminates all motion at the affected segment. So, patients do experience permanent restrictions on their mobility, such as an inability to twist, bend, and lift heavy objects.
Once the surgeon confirms on x-ray imaging that the fusion has completely solidified into one bone, a full return to an active lifestyle—including bending, lifting, and twisting—is permitted. This approval typically occurs about 6 months after the surgery, but sometimes it may take closer to 12 months.
Recovery from neck surgery typically ranges from one to six months, but some cases can take longer. Your surgeon will determine a more specific time frame after evaluating your condition and discussing which procedure is right for you based on your diagnosis.
Full recovery takes around two to three months. You are likely to be put forward for physical rehabilitation therapy as well. Disc replacement or cervical arthroplasty procedure.
The possible signs of a failed fusion include chronic back pain, reduced mobility, neuropathic pain, and radicular pain. With a failed fusion, the patient's initial symptoms may return, or they may experience new problems. Pain is considered chronic if it's significant, continuous, and lasts for over 12 weeks.
Fusion of a spine segment causes extra stress and load to be transferred to the discs and bones above or below the fusion. The added wear and tear can eventually degenerate the adjacent level and cause pain. Nerve damage or persistent pain. Any spine surgery comes with the risk of damaging the nerves or spinal cord.
The recovery time for C5-C6-C7 neck treatments is about 4 to 6 weeks. Full recovery may take months. You can shorten your recovery by maintaining a proper lifestyle and cooperating with your doctor.
You need to avoid twisting and bending. You also need to avoid lifting, pushing or pulling objects greater than 5 to 10 lbs. Lifting and activity restrictions will be gradually removed as the healing process takes place. Remember to keep your spine in the neutral position and maintain good posture throughout the day.
You may experience some numbness and tingling underneath your chin or around your incision, and your incision may be very sensitive. You may also have some temporary swallowing difficulties or hoarseness of voice. This is all very common after surgery.
The best thing you can do for your neck is to try to relax it and move it as freely and normally as possible. However, for the first few days or weeks after your operation it is normal for your neck to initially be stiff and sore.
How do I know the nerve is recovering? As your nerve recovers, the area the nerve supplies may feel quite unpleasant and tingly. This may be accompanied by an electric shock sensation at the level of the growing nerve fibres; the location of this sensation should move as the nerve heals and grows.
Typically, patients make a full recovery within two to six weeks.
---You may sleep in any position which makes you comfortable. ---If you have a collar, make sure this is securely in place. ---Many patients find comfort sleeping in a recliner chair. ---It is normal to have difficulty sleeping for the first several weeks following your surgery.
Outcome of surgical management for cervical disc herniation has shown a success rate of 66 to 98% [8].
The best way to reduce your pain as well as your risk of developing a post-procedural complication is to sleep on your back with a pillow placed under your knees. This provides the cervical and thoracic spine with much-needed support, easing your pain. It's also important to keep your arms at your sides, if possible.
Activity after a spinal fusion shouldn't include any heavy lifting, deadlifting, or anything else that might twist or bend your back too far. Most importantly, pay attention to what your body is telling you. If an activity feels painful, stop immediately and contact a specialist.
Often, excessive pain is a symptom of a loose screw after spinal fusion or other hardware complication. “If the hardware is prominent under the skin the patient may feel a painful bump,” Dr. Lieberman explains.
Along with being patient, you should be careful to not overdo it. While it may seem easy to climb stairs a few days after surgery, this motion can put undue stress on your spine and slow down your recovery.