Mercy Neurosurgery of North IowaBrain, spine & nerve surgery · Mason City, IowaCall 641-428-7847
Draft: this guide is being reviewed by our surgeons. Always follow the instructions your care team gives you.

After Neck Surgery

This page is for people going home after surgery on the neck (the cervical spine). This includes ACDF, laminectomy, and fusion surgery.

What is normal

  • Sore throat and trouble swallowing. If your surgery was done from the front of the neck, swallowing may feel hard for a few weeks. Eat soft foods and take small bites. Sit up straight to eat.
  • A hoarse voice. This usually gets better over a few weeks.
  • Neck pain and stiffness, and some pain between the shoulder blades.
  • Some arm tingling or numbness. Nerves heal slowly. This may take weeks to months to get better.

Your collar

You may or may not be given a neck collar. If you were given one, wear it the way your surgeon told you. Ask when you can take it off to shower and to sleep. Keep the pads clean and dry.

Rest and activity

  • Walk several times each day. Slowly walk farther each day.
  • Do not lift anything heavier than 10 pounds until your surgeon says it is OK. A gallon of milk weighs about 8 pounds.
  • Avoid looking far up or far down for long periods, like painting a ceiling or reading with your chin down.
  • Do not reach over your head to lift things.
  • Sit in chairs that support your head and back. Get up and move at least once an hour.
  • Ask before you start physical therapy, sports, or exercise.

Driving

Do not drive while you take opioid pain medicine (like oxycodone or hydrocodone), or while you wear a neck collar. You must be able to turn your head to check traffic. Your surgeon will tell you when it is safe.

Medicines

  • Take pain medicine as directed. Opioids can cause constipation. Drink plenty of water, eat fiber, and use a stool softener if you were told to.
  • If you had a fusion, ask before you take ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve). Some surgeons ask you to avoid these while the bones heal.
  • Do not smoke or vape. Nicotine slows bone healing.
Call 911 right away if you have:trouble breathing, a lot of swelling in the front of your neck, or you cannot swallow your own spit. These can be signs of bleeding or swelling that presses on your airway.
Call our office if you have:new or worse weakness or numbness in your arms or legs, a fever of 101°F or higher, or signs of infection. See When to Call Us.
Your care team's instructions come first.This page is general information. If anything here is different from what your surgeon or nurse told you, follow their instructions.