Advice after neck hernia surgery

General advice after a neck hernia surgery

Most neck hernia surgeries are performed from the front. The area around the incision may become swollen after the surgery. Sometimes, this can cause difficulties in swallowing. If that is the case for you, the swallowing problems will gradually decrease over time.

Below, we provide different advice depending on whether your surgery was performed from the front or the back.

• If you had a surgery from the back, you may get out of bed 4 hours after the surgery. Take it easy if you have too much pain.
• If you had a surgery from the front, you may get out of bed immediately after the surgery. Take it easy if you have too much pain.
• We also advise you to gradually build up other activities. Stop if you experience pain.
• Symptoms may worsen after the surgery, such as muscle pain and swelling around the incision area. This will naturally decrease over time.
• You may gently move your neck. Try not to tilt your head backward or look up too frequently.
• You don’t need to receive physiotherapy at home after a hernia surgery. However, you should receive physiotherapy if you experience significant loss of strength in your arms and/or are unable to move your legs.
• If you still feel a heavy sensation in your neck after 6 weeks or have difficulty keeping your head straight, please call the Physical Therapy department at 088 979 23 23.
• In many cases, you can return to work after 2 weeks. However, this depends on the type of work you do. Stop if you experience excessive neck discomfort while working. Consult with the occupational doctor if needed to determine when you can return to work.
• After 2 months, you can gradually begin exercising again.
• After 2 weeks, you may drive a car. This is only allowed if you have no issues with your arms and legs and if you can move your neck properly. If you are uncertain, please consult with your doctor and/or the Central Bureau of Driving Skills (CBR).
• After 2 weeks, you may ride a bicycle. To cycle safely, you should have no problems with your arms and legs, and you should be able to move your neck properly. If you are uncertain, please consult with your doctor.
• You can make a butterfly pillow to support your neck. Make a butterfly pillow by rolling a bandage around the middle of the pillow. Then tighten the bandage. The pillow will resemble a butterfly.
• Try to sit upright as much as possible (maintain an active posture). Avoid sitting for extended periods.

Exercises after a neck hernia surgery

General exercises:

• Make a fist.
• Bend and straighten your elbow.
• Shrug your shoulders up and down.
• Slowly rotate your shoulders in circles.

Perform these circles forward and backward. Do these exercises at least 3 times a day. Repeat each exercise 10 times at each session.

Neck exercises:

• Gently nod your head (as if saying “yes”).
• Slowly turn your head to the left and right.

Perform these exercises at least 3 times a day. Repeat each exercise 10 times at each session.

Questions?

If you have any further questions, please call the Physical Therapy department at HMC at 088 979 23 23.