Discussing Cervical Spine Surgery:
Cervical spine surgery can be done in order to decrease pain
, numbness, tingling, weakness, and to restore nerve function/prevent any abnormal movement in the spine and spinal area.More Information About Cervical Spine Surgery:
Cervical spine surgery requires the surgeon to remove a disc or bone. The surgeon fuses the vertebrae together with a bone graft. This procedure can be done in the front of the spine or behind the spine. The graft can be either an autograft or an allograft. With an autograft a bone is taken from the body and with an allograft a bone is used from a bone bank. Metal plates, wires or screws (as well as other instrumentation) are sometimes used in addition to bone. This further stabilizes the spine and ensures surgical success.
There are necessary preparations that should be taken care of prior to cervical spine surgery. Patients should prep their living areas so that they are safe and comfortable when they arrive home from the hospital. The first step is to purchase food. Make sure that everything you need to prepare your meals is ready to hand. Some people even arrange for meal delivery prior to cervical spine surgery through a catering service or a friend willing to help out.
After cervical spine surgery you will not be able to bend so you need to arrange your home with the necessary items accessible. Consider placing your phone on a chair beside your bed (or on your nightstand). Arrange for help with upcoming shopping, cleaning and household chores that will be necessary. You should also make sure that things you will need regularly are available: clothing, shoes, bathroom supplies, etc. You should also remove all rugs so there is not trouble caused by tripping, etc.
The night right before your cervical spine surgery you should not eat or drink anything. In most cases you should not eat or drink anything after midnight. If you have a morning procedure you should not eat anything solid after 9pm. Also remove any and all rings because your fingers may swell.
Recovery from Cervical Spine Surgery:
Cervical spine surgery requires time after the surgery is complete in order for the body to restore damaged tissues and return to normal function. This is true for any surgical procedure. Recovery can be slow since the body needs time to heal. The recovery process is vital. It should not be rushed. Surgical patients should follow all instructions from their doctor/surgeon very closely. Following all recommendations post-surgery will optimize recovery and minimize recovery time requirements.
by: Jerry Knight