Anytime neck surgery is performed, it’s important to give your body plenty of rest to recover properly. Once your orthopedic doctor approves physical activity, there are a variety of exercises and techniques you can perform to help keep your neck strong and to support your recovery process. Though neck surgery presents particular health benefits and will likely provide long-term pain relief, it’s still a serious procedure to experience. AICA Orthopedic Doctors offer potential candidates for neck surgery information on how to achieve a complete and healthy surgery.
Post-Surgery
Once your surgery is complete, there are a few things your orthopedic doctor will provide or recommend to ensure a stable recovery process. Depending on the circumstances, you may be offered prescription medication to help relieve pain, as well as shown how to manage the affected area to prevent infection and other health complications. You will also likely be ordered to refrain from working or performing any kind of laborious physical activity. Other post-surgery requirements may include:
- Refraining from lifting more than eight pounds work of materials or items
- Refraining from bending over or reaching downward to pick up objects
- Refraining from operating a vehicle for two to four weeks
- Refraining from showering to prevent infection
If you notice anything out of the ordinary, experience any type of pain or discomfort, or feel like something is wrong with the affected area, contact your orthopedic doctor immediately. Some patients who undergo neck surgery notice one or more of the following conditions, which all deserve prompt medical attention:
- Fever
- The presence of pus or blood
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty using the bathroom
- Pain
- Numbness
Recovering From Neck Surgery
You can help achieve a complete and healthy recovery from neck surgery by adhering to the following recommendations:
- Practice appropriate posture: Keep your shoulders back and allow them to rest without slouching forward or tilting your head downward
- Provide greater support to the affected area
- Do not carry heavy objects such as boxes, bags, purses, or backpacks
- Use a soft or hard brace recommended by your orthopedic doctor
Contact AICA Orthopedics For More Information and Support
If you are considering neck surgery to address ongoing pain or a recent injury and have questions, please contact our Atlanta Orthopedic Doctors by dialing (404) 855-2141. We can give you recommendations for how to prepare for your surgery, as well as how to take care of yourself afterward to ensure a recovery that’s void of relapse or complications.
