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Recovery Time From Neck Surgery

Recovery time from neck surgery typically takes four to six weeks. According to Dr. Mark McLaughlin on NeckSurgery.com, the length of time you have suffered from neck pain is a factor in your recovery time from neck surgery. While some patients may start to recover in a couple of days, others may take weeks to return to normalcy.

  1. Hospital Stay

    • Patients having a one- or two-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (neck surgery) can typically go home the same day. However, if difficulty breathing or other complications occur, patients will typically feel well enough to go home after an overnight stay in the hospital.

    Pain Management

    • Various drugs are prescribed to help neck surgery patients cope with and recover from post-operative pain. Because pain medications are addictive, these medications will be prescribed for a limited amount of time--typically two to four weeks.

    Restrictions

    • During recovery time, you should refrain from smoking, sitting for long periods of time, bending and lifting items heavier than 5 lbs. You should also postpone driving and sexual activity until after your first follow-up visit.

    Incision Care

    • You will typically be able to shower one to four days after the surgery. Avoid tubs, showers and pools until you receive approval from your physician.

    Follow-Up

    • Schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss your recovery with your surgeon two weeks after your operation. Your surgeon may take x-rays several weeks following the procedure to ensure that fusion is in progress.

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