Yes, neck surgery causes pain, especially initially at the incision and throat, but it's usually manageable with medication and improves significantly within days to weeks, though some stiffness, swallowing issues, or nerve pain can linger. The pain level varies but is often described as tolerable, with surgeons using techniques like minimally invasive approaches to reduce soft tissue damage. Effective pain management includes medication, ice, movement, and sometimes a neck collar, with most patients recovering well.
The aching in the back of the neck typically improves over the first couple of weeks as well. Some patients have lingering soreness between 2-4 weeks, though most people are fairly comfortable by then.
General Risks of Neck Surgery
Nerve Damage: Risk of injuring the spinal cord, nerve roots, or adjacent nerves varies with procedure type and surgical approach. Anesthesia Complications: General anesthesia carries risks of adverse reactions, breathing problems, and cardiovascular events.
The area for surgery is often marked to make sure there are no errors. You will be kept comfortable and safe by your anesthesia provider. You will be asleep during the surgery. The surgery usually takes 2 to 4 hours.
Postsurgical neck pain typically stems from a damaged or compressed nerve.
The success rates traditionally for one or two level cervical fusion or cervical disc replacement are around 90% and some of the most successful surgery of all the surgery that's performed.
Following your operation you should aim to get back to normal levels of activity by gradually increasing it as you are able. This can start straight away by sitting up in bed, sitting out in the chair and taking short walks. You should try to avoid long periods where your back is inactive.
For more serious cases — if your pain is so bad that it affects your ability to function, or if you're having trouble walking, with or without falling — a specialist may recommend surgical intervention. Surgery may also be considered if you've tried less invasive treatments without success.
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.
Spine fusion is the most commonly performed surgery for displaced discs in the neck, with around 775,000 performed annually in the United States.
Avoid alcohol for 23 hours prior to your surgery, as alcohol can interfere with the anesthetic. Leave all your valuables at home. Wear comfortable clothing. Should you develop a cold or an illness before your surgery, please call your surgeon.
Neck pain red flags signal serious underlying issues needing immediate care, including neurological signs like weakness, numbness, tingling, balance/coordination trouble, or bladder/bowel dysfunction; signs of infection or tumor like fever, chills, unexplained weight loss, or severe night pain; or symptoms after trauma, such as severe pain, weakness, or neurological deficits, especially if you're over 55 or have a cancer history.
Since the cervical vertebrae are closely connected to the nerves that run through the shoulders and arms, any disruption in this area can lead to discomfort. This pain may also stem from muscle strain, as the surrounding muscles adjust to the new disc placement and the healing process.
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.
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.
Neck surgery carries general surgical risks, including infection, bleeding, and adverse reactions to anesthesia, though these complications remain relatively rare. The intricate nature of neck anatomy also introduces the risk of nerve damage, potentially resulting in ongoing pain, weakness, or numbness post-surgery.
Most patients stay in the hospital for 1-3 days, depending on their surgery. Pain management is important during this time, with medications to control discomfort while you begin to move around. Patients may need to wear a neck collar or brace for support after fusion surgery.
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.
The surgery is done while the patient is deep asleep and pain-free (general anesthesia). For the neck (cervical spine), an incision may be made either in the back of the neck (posterior cervical) or in the front side of the neck (anterior cervical), depending on the location of the problem.
Do not drive for 2 to 4 weeks after your surgery or until your doctor says it is okay. Avoid taking long car trips for 2 to 4 weeks after surgery. Your neck may become tired and painful from sitting too long in one position. You will probably need to take 4 to 6 weeks off from work.
It's dangerous to try to heal on your own after surgery, and quite frankly, we strongly advise against it. If you live alone, please have a family member or friend take care of you during the first few days and weeks into your recovery. If no one is available, talk to Dr.
Cervical spine surgery: 2 to 3 hours
Cervical spine surgery typically lasts 2 to 3 hours. Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, also called ACDF, often takes about 3 hours. During this procedure, the surgeon removes a damaged disc from your neck and replaces it with a bone graft or implant.