Recovery from C5-C6-C7 cervical disc replacement varies, but generally, you'll feel better in days/weeks, return to light work in 2-6 weeks, resume most activities by 3 months, and see full healing/nerve recovery over 6-12 months, with physical therapy starting a few weeks post-op to build strength and range of motion. Expect initial soreness and restrictions (no heavy lifting/twisting for ~6 weeks), but quicker progress with office jobs and slower with physical ones.
It usually takes two to three months to fully recover. You might also be recommended for physical therapy for rehabilitation. With this procedure, a damaged cervical disc will be removed and replaced with an artificial disc.
Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement Recovery Time
Most people are able to return to everyday activities, such as light work and driving, within a week of having surgery. A full recovery typically takes 6 to 12 weeks, when heavier lifting and more vigorous activities may be resumed.
Cervical Disc Replacement Restrictions
After surgery, limit lifting, pushing, and pulling to 10-20 pounds as tolerated for the first 2 weeks. Passive motion of the neck is okay but, avoid cracking your neck or using your hands to stretch your neck for 6-8 weeks.
Neck Surgery C5-C6-C7 Complications
Complications at these levels may include residual pain, limited neck mobility, or difficulty swallowing. In some cases, nerve roots exiting these levels may still be irritated after surgery, resulting in lingering numbness or weakness in the arms or shoulders.
Success Rate of Surgery
The success rate for cervical spine procedures at the C5-C7 levels is typically high. Study results range from 80% to 90% for symptom alleviation and function improvement. Success usually means less pain, neurological problems, and a better quality of life.
C1 and C2 Vertebrae Breaks, Fractures, and Misalignments
Symptoms following an injury to the cervical vertebrae C1 and C2 may include: Complete paralysis of arms and legs.
A small incision is made in the front of the neck usually only 3-4 centremetres long. No significant muscle is cut during the approach to the spine so there is minimal post-operative pain. It is common to have a sore throat and some mild discomfort with swallowing after the surgery. This usually settles over 2-3 days.
Activity
Cervical disc replacement is a major surgery requiring a hospital stay and a rehabilitation period. This procedure will only be recommended if noninvasive treatments do not improve a patient's condition.
The lateral cord (C5, C6, and C7) produces the lateral and medial pectoral nerves, which supply the pectoralis major and minor. This cord also gives rise to the musculocutaneous nerve, which innervates the coracobrachialis, brachialis, and biceps brachii while also providing sensation to the lateral forearm.
Spinal fusion surgery is often considered one of the most difficult orthopedic surgeries to recover from. This procedure involves fusing two or more vertebrae in the spine to eliminate painful motion caused by instability, degenerative disc disease, or other spinal conditions.
Potential Causes of Arm Weakness After Neck Surgery
Arm weakness generally indicates some form of nerve damage, and nerves take time to heal. Other causes of weakness after neck surgery include nerve root compression or damage, spinal cord compression or injury, and ongoing muscle deconditioning and atrophy.
IT IS NORMAL FOR YOUR NECK PAIN TO GET WORSE FOR 3-5 DAYS AFTER SURGERY. PLEASE TAKE YOUR MEDICATIONS AS INSTRUCTED DURING THIS TIME.
Recuperating at home
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!
Six weeks was the most common response for > 2 level ACDF (52%) or laminectomy and fusion (60%). About 40% of surgeons recommended less than 2 weeks of driving restriction following foraminotomy or disk replacement. In terms of collar use, there was also a broad range of practices.
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.
In mild to moderate cases, home remedies may help.
The operation generally takes 1 to 3 hours. You will lie on your back on the operative table and be given anesthesia. Once asleep, your neck area is cleansed and prepped. If a fusion is planned and your own bone will be used, the hip area is also prepped to obtain a bone graft.
A microdiscectomy procedure is a major surgery, so following your surgeon's instructions is essential. However, it is a minimally invasive and common spine procedure. It can help to reduce pain and other symptoms while restoring your quality of life.
Low Risk, But Complications Exist
While dural tear (a tear in the protective covering of the spinal cord) is the most common neck surgery complication, its total incidence is only 0.77%. C5 palsy (a temporary paralysis in one or both arms) is the second most common complication, with a total incidence of only 0.42%.
For example:
Spinal cord injuries at the C4 level and above, including C1, C2, and C3, usually result in total paralysis. Injuries to this area often cause the loss of the use of the chest, arms, and legs. These types of injuries affect the motor signals that control the diaphragm.
Burst fractures most commonly occur at L1 with the majority (~90%) occurring from T9-L5. Two-level burst fractures are much less common than single-level burst fractures 2.