How can I care for my neck post surgery

[kcbcouns]

I had extensive cervical fusion (c2-c7)a few weeks ago secondary to spinal myelopathy,  ossification of medial lateral ligament? and degenterative disc disease. I am currently awaiting permission to start physical therapy.  I walk daily with a walker as instructed and wear a bone growth stimulator four hours per day. I am a non smoker. Is there any thing else I can do to increase the chance of successful fusion and healing?

[browneyes145]

Hey I'm going to have surgery Sept.12th,2008 like two weeks. I'm really wondering  about the sleeping thing. I was wondering if the wedge pillow would be good for being able to sleep in bed. I will be having a level one surgery on C4/5 I got degenterative disc disease from being rear ended. I have a GREAT PS and know people he has done. So do they really say when you can drive again. I have a standard which may be awhile it sounds because of the strain in shifting gears. Since percosets never have takin the edge off my pain. I tried a few viccodin750mg and they seem to take some edge off, I was going to ask for them instead. Someone said dimeral ( spelled wrong) was really good for pain. My PS said I won't be wearing a brace. He is doing some kind of bone and putting in a plate and screws. So it takes time to really eat after having this too? I can't wait to get this over with so I can be in the healing process,plus to see how well the fusion is doing on my 2 week check-up.

[kcbcouns]

Thank you very much for the information.  I  do have a rigid brace during the day and a soft collar for sleep as I had anterior and posterior surgery.  Now I understand why he wanted me to wait four more weeks before starting PT (as along as my Xray is okay.)The information that you provided was extremely helpful and I will follow up on that website today.

[dr_simran]

Hello Dear,
A minimum of three months is needed for the bones to fuse together and become solid. Yet the bone graft will continue to mature for one to two years. Your doctor may have you wear a rigid neck brace or halo vest for up to three months after surgery to keep your spine still and make sure the bones fuse. You may not require a rigid brace after a simple fusion using instrumentation.
Most patients are able to return home when their medical condition is stabilized, usually within one week after fusion surgery. Limit your activities to avoid doing too much too soon. Avoid activities that put strain on the healing fusion, such as forceful bending or twisting movements of the neck. Delay activities that require heavy or forceful use of your arms, such as lifting, until your doctor determines these activities are safe.
Physical Therapy
Your doctor may have you attend physical therapy beginning a minimum of five weeks after surgery. A well-rounded rehabilitation program assists in calming pain and inflammation, improving your mobility and strength, and helping you do your daily activities with greater ease and ability. Therapy sessions may be scheduled up to three times each week for six to eight weeks.
The goals of physical therapy are to help you
• learn ways to manage your condition and control symptoms
• improve flexibility and strength
• learn correct posture and body movements to protect the fusion
• return to work safely

Refer http://www.allaboutbackpain.com/html/spinesub.asp?id=187#Rehabilitation
Best