Cervical Disc - Post-Op Instructions
You will go home with a cervical collar on that should be worn for at least 4 weeks after your surgery. This may be removed only to wash your neck in the shower, and to apply ice packs as instructed, it should be worn at all other times. Be careful not to bend or rotate your head and neck when the collar is off.
Ice 2 to 3 times a day for 20 minutes. Place a barrier between the ice and the skin.
You may shower when you get home if you have a waterproof dressing.
You may remove your dressing 72 hours after surgery-no other dressing is needed.
You may line the cervical collar with cotton and power for comfort.
You have sutures that will dissolve under the skin.
You may eat as tolerated.
To avoid constipation, you may take stool softeners as directed as soon as you get home, increase your water intake, and eat fiber rich foods.
Do not sleep on your stomach. Always place a pillow under your head.
You may ride in a car home and to your follow up appointment, but you should NOT ride or drive other than this. You may ride in a car as you desire after 4-6 weeks Post operation, you must ask your physician for permission to drive. You should not drive if still on opiates.
Do not submerge in water for 4 weeks. This includes bathtubs, pools, hot tubs, oceans and lakes.
At your follow up appointment in 4 weeks, your activity will be increased, and a work release will be planned. Usually, you can return to work in 4-8 weeks after surgery if your job allows you to work while wearing a soft collar.
Call the office to make a follow up appointment for 4 weeks after you are discharged home.
Contact the office for any post operative worsening neck swelling or difficulties swallowing, extremity pain that has worsened, weakness or numbness.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our office.