You typically sleep in a recliner for the first 1 to 3 weeks after neck surgery, or until your surgeon advises you to switch, as it helps keep your head elevated to reduce swelling and makes getting up easier than a flat bed, but use a firm recliner with good support and pillows for proper alignment and avoid long-term dependency. Always follow your surgeon's specific instructions, as duration varies based on the surgery.
Sleeping in a Reclined Position
Many patients find that reclining chairs or adjustable beds help reduce tension in the neck. This position is especially helpful in the first 2-3 weeks after ACDF surgery. Consider renting or investing in a recliner chair during recovery.
According to the Sleep Foundation and Harvard Health, elevating your upper body can reduce airway obstruction, improve circulation, and ease symptoms of conditions like sleep apnea and acid reflux. However, most sleep experts caution that recliners are not a substitute for a bed every night.
When it comes to sleep, the best way to reduce pain and your risk of developing a post-procedural complication is to sleep on your back with a pillow placed under your knees.
Head Elevation: Sleep on your back with your head elevated about 30-40 degrees (2-3 pillows). Do not sleep on your side. Keep your head elevated to minimize swelling. Continue this for 2-4 weeks depending on swelling.
Therefore, the following should be followed: (a) AVOID excessive grinning and smiling. (b) Don't TURN THE HEAD without turning the neck and shoulders as one unit, when you must turn, do so as if you had a “crick” in the neck, for 4-6 weeks.
Why do I need to sleep upright post-surgery? Here at MYA we advise all breast surgery and rhinoplasty patients to sleep propped upright after their surgery for a minimum of 2 weeks. Sleeping at a 45-degree angle helps to reduce post-op swelling and encourages symmetry.
Activity
---Do NOT lift anything weighing greater than 5-10lbs. ---Try to avoid lifting or reaching above your head. ---During the healing process in the first few weeks after surgery, you will likely tire more easily and will need to rest between activities.
The first few weeks after surgery are critical, and on average, your incision will take between 3-4 weeks to heal fully. Although activities will typically not impact the healing of the incision, certain activities should be avoided so as not to disrupt the bone healing, which you won't see.
Sleeping in a recliner is safe, but it's not the healthiest place to sleep. That's because sleeping in a recliner every night doesn't properly support your body and spine. Over time, this can lead to joint stiffness, poor posture, impaired circulation, and even sluggish digestion.
The unhealthiest sleeping position is generally considered to be sleeping on your stomach (prone position), as it forces your neck to twist and flattens the natural curve of your spine, leading to neck, back, and shoulder pain, numbness, and poor sleep quality. An overly curled fetal position is also harmful, causing joint stiffness and restricted breathing, while sleeping on your back can worsen snoring and sleep apnea for some individuals.
Sleeping in a chair
Many people fall asleep on the couch or in a recliner watching TV at night, but this can hurt your neck. If your head droops forward, it strains the muscles in the back of your neck. If your neck tips to the side, you may pull a muscle on the side of your neck.
Is It Advisable to Sleep in a Recliner Following Surgery? While it's not always the norm, sleeping in a recliner chair can be beneficial for some individuals recovering from surgery. For those experiencing post-surgical back pain, limited mobility, or swelling, a recliner chair may be a comfortable solution.
In short, recliners aren't just about relaxation. They're an essential piece of furniture in your fight against slouching, back pain, and stiff necks, helping you maintain proper posture all day.
As soon as all your bandages have been removed and you feel strong enough after your surgery, you may shower wearing your Philadelphia collar made of foam. You may also shampoo your hair while in the shower as long as your collar is securely in place.
Back Sleeping: In the initial weeks following surgery, sleeping on your back with a supportive pillow under your neck and head is often the best position. This position helps maintain proper spinal alignment and reduces pressure on the surgical site.
Bending becomes difficult after a spinal fusion because the surgical procedure joins two or more spinal segments. Due to loss of muscle tone and strength, these fused segments eliminate the spinal cord's natural movement and range of motion, making it difficult to bend, twist, or flex.
Occasionally, surgery may be required to manage an injury to your neck, and sometimes the doctors will want you to wear a hard collar after your surgery to promote healing the operation.
In mild to moderate cases, home remedies may help.
Is ACDF surgery considered a major surgery? Yes, ACDF is a major surgery. Most people will go home the next day and will be off all pain medications within two to three weeks. While there are possible risks and complications, it's a safe procedure that offers a high likelihood of relieving symptoms.
Best Practices for Surgery Recovery
Prioritize Rest: Quality sleep is essential for healing. Aim for 7-9 hours each night to support your body's recovery. Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water helps reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and prevent complications. Keep a water bottle nearby!
Ignoring your surgeon's advice and sleeping without your garment prematurely can lead to: Increased Swelling: Lack of support may cause excessive swelling, prolonging the recovery period. Uneven Healing: Without proper compression, the tissues may settle improperly, resulting in an uneven or lumpy appearance.
First, it is important to rule out the emergency setting; if the source of the fever is still unknown, that is when the “5 Ws” apply: wind, water, wound, walking and wonder drug. Each of the “Ws” is discussed, talking about the specific diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
Sleep is a vital component of post-surgery recovery. It plays a significant role in tissue repair, pain management, immune system support, inflammation reduction, and emotional wellbeing. Patients must prioritize sleep as part of their healing process.