How long does it take to recover from cervical decompression surgery?
Usually, you will have to remain in the hospital for around two days following this surgery. Further recovery will happen over the next four to six weeks, after which you can return to light activities. Full recovery takes around two to three months.
Is ACDF considered major surgery?
ACDF surgery is a major procedure, and you will need to take it easy during your recovery. However, if you are unable to do daily activities within 4-6 weeks of your appointment, you should see your surgeon right away.
Is ACDF high risk surgery?
Conclusions: Outpatient ACDF is increasing in frequency nationwide over the past several years. Nationwide data demonstrate a greater risk of perioperative surgical complications, including revision anterior and posterior fusion, as well as a higher risk of postoperative acute renal failure.
What is the success rate of ACDF surgery?
Outcome of surgical management for cervical disc herniation has shown a success rate of 66 to 98% [8]. ACDF has demonstrated good results in terms of pain relief and patient satisfaction [9]. Its success rate has been reported to achieve good or excellent outcome in 93% [10].
Do I need to wear a collar after ACDF surgery?
2) You will wear a cervical collar for at least 4 weeks post-operatively. This should be worn at all times (including in bed) but may be removed for showering. 3) About 3-4 days after surgery, you throat will become swollen. This usually lasts 1-2 days and you may want to sleep in a recliner for that time.
What can you not do after ACDF surgery?
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.
Can I live a normal life after ACDF surgery?
Fortunately, ACDF patients typically have good outcomes, both in terms of pain relief and quality of life after the procedure.
How painful is ACDF surgery?
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.
What nerves are affected by C6 and C7?
The C6-C7 disc is 6th cervical disc near the lower part of the neck, near the top of the shoulders. The nerve root that would be affected by the C6-C7 disc herniation controls the arms, the shoulders, the heart, the lungs, and more.
What nerves do C5 C6/C7 affect?
From the lateral cord, C5, C6, and C7 supply the pectoralis major and minor muscles, via the lateral and medial pectoral nerves, as well as the coracobrachialis, brachialis and biceps brachii, via the musculocutaneous nerve. The musculocutaneous nerve provides sensation to the skin of the lateral forearm.
What part of the body does C6/C7 affect?
The C6 and C7 cervical vertebrae (and the C8 spinal nerve) form the lowest levels of the cervical spine and directly impact the arm and hand muscles. The locations of C6 and C7 vertebrae are both in the lowest levels of the cervical spine, near the base of the neck.
What fingers are affected by C7?
It is suggested that the area of skin innervated by C7 is centred on the index finger, together with the thumb and middle fingers.
Where does C5-C6 cause pain?
C5-C6 (C6 nerve root): Pain, tingling, and/or numbness may be felt in the thumb side of the hand. Weakness may also be experienced in the biceps (muscles in the front of the upper arms) and wrist extensor muscles in the forearms. The C5-C6 disc is one of the most common to herniate.
What nerves do C6/C7 affect?
What does C7 nerve pain feel like?
C7 radiculopathy.
Tingling, numbness, and/or pain may be felt down the arm and into the middle finger. Weakness may be experienced in the back of the upper arm (triceps).
How serious is a bulging disc C5-C6?
If the C5 and C6 discs are bulging, they only cause pain about 50 percent of the time, but this condition can lead to a straightened neck; this leads to tension on the spine, known to cause numbness, pain, and tingling throughout the upper body.
What parts of the body are affected by C5-C6?
A c5-c6 herniated disc can affect the nerves that control the muscles in the arms, neck, shoulders, hands as well as the head, eyes, ears, or thyroid gland. Symptoms in these areas in addition to pain in the neck is very common with c5-c6 disc herniations.
What does a neurologist do for neck pain?
Every back pain and neck pain patient is unique, with different degrees of problems associated with a bone or disc abnormality. A neurologist is trained to discover the causes of symptoms, as well as using EMG testing to assess the injury to nerves and whether it is reversible in the short and long term.
What are the symptoms of a pinched nerve at C7?
When the C7 nerve is compressed or irritated, additional complaints may follow, such as: Pain from the neck radiating to the shoulder down to the middle finger. Numbness in the palm, index finger, and middle finger. Weakness in the upper arm, forearm, elbow, and wrist; affecting the motion of these regions.
What nerves do C5-C6 affect?
From the upper trunk C5 and C6 give rise to the nerve to the subclavius, and the suprascapular nerve, that supply the subclavius muscle, and the supra- and infraspinatus muscles, respectively.
Can neck problems affect your brain?
Central nervous system nerve tension is typically from upper cervical instability and not only affects the cervical spinal cord but can involve the brainstem and brain. When the brainstem and/or brain nerve impulses are altered, the effects can be far-reaching and more dramatic.
What are symptoms of nerve damage in neck?
Neurological symptoms from cervical radiculopathy that can radiate down from your neck include:
- Pain.
- Numbness.
- Tingling or a “pins and needles” feeling.
- Muscle weakness.
- Weakened reflexes.
What part of the body does C7 affect?
C7 helps control the triceps (the large muscle on the back of the arm that straightens the elbow) and wrist extensor muscles. The C7 dermatome goes down the back of the arm and into the middle finger. C8 helps control the hands, such as finger flexion (handgrip).
Where does C5 C6 cause pain?
The most common symptom of C5-C6 disc herniation is a pain in the lower neck. This can either be a piercing periodic pinch or a constant vibrating ache at the back of the neck. Due to this pain, certain neck movements can become difficult and/or uncomfortable, thereby limiting the patient’s range of motion.