Advice after cervical spine fusion (spondylodesis)

General advice after cervical spine fusion:

• You can usually get out of bed 4 hours after the surgery, unless there are complications (unexpected medical problems).
• You may move your neck normally, but do so cautiously, never pushing through pain. Take it easy if it causes too much pain.
• We will take an X-ray of your neck 3 months after the surgery. The doctor will determine if you can move your neck without limitations based on this X-ray.
• Engage in regular physical activity. Alternate between sitting, walking, and lying down. Try to increase the duration of walking and sitting each day. Take it easy if it causes too much pain.
• The neurosurgeon will determine if you need to wear a neck collar. Usually, this is not necessary. If you do need to wear a collar, you should wear it for 3 months. You do not need to wear it in bed.
• For the first 3 months, you should avoid sports. The neurosurgeon will determine when you can resume (contact) sports such as football, judo, and tennis. Also, avoid any other strenuous physical activities during the first 3 months. We recommend regular walking.
• If you have alternating light work, you can resume it after approximately 4 weeks. Consult with your occupational doctor to determine when you can return to work.
• You can resume driving and cycling after 6 weeks. This is allowed only if you have good sensation, strength, and stability in your arms, legs, and back. Gradually reintroduce driving, starting with short trips. If you have doubts, consult with your doctor and/or the Central Bureau of Driving Skills (CBR).
• If you do not experience weakness in your arms and/or legs, you do not need physiotherapy. The physiotherapist at the hospital can provide advice on this.
• You should refrain from smoking before and after the surgery. Smoking hinders bone healing and increases the risk of medical complications.
• Try to maintain an upright posture (active posture). Avoid sitting for prolonged periods.

Advice on lifting after cervical spine fusion

When lifting:

• Do not lift heavy objects.
• Stand directly in front of the object you want to lift.
• Distribute the weight equally between both arms.
• Bend your knees, keep your back straight, and lift from the legs.
• Do not lift too quickly and keep the object as close to your body as possible.
• If picking something up from the ground, squat or kneel down while keeping your back as straight as possible.

Exercises after cervical spine fusion

For all exercises, the level of pain determines the limit for exercising. Never exceed what the physiotherapist has indicated.

1.    Sit upright and squeeze your shoulder blades together. Repeat this excercise 10 times.

2.    Shrug your shoulders and let your arms hang loosely by your sides. Then relax your shoulders and let them slowly drop. Repeat this excercise 10 times.

3.    Roll your shoulders upward, backward, and downward in a rolling motion. Repeat this excercise 10 times.

Questions?