After Your Neck Surgery

WOUND CARE

You may shower 48 hours after your surgery. Let soap and water run over the incision. Pat it dry.

DO NOT scrub it.

You may continue to shower after your staples or sutures (“stitches”) are removed.

DO NOT submerge (tub bath or swim) your incision for 2 to 4 weeks.

ACTIVITY GUIDELINES

The restrictions on your activities should be followed for several weeks after your surgery. The length of time depends on the extent of surgery and your physician’s instructions.

DO NOT flex, extend, or rotate your neck in extreme, sudden motions.

Avoid sleeping on your stomach or propping yourself upright with pillows. These positions may cause your neck to flex or extend and you may not heal properly.

DO NOT drive until after your next appointment or until cleared by your physician.

You may begin light housework 2 weeks after surgery, but no activities that involve lifting your arms over your head.

DO NOT bend or lift anything heavier than 5 pounds (i.e. a thick phone book or jug of milk).

Walk for exercise. You should be walking up to a mile a day by your office appointment 2-4 weeks after surgery. You may break it up over the course of the day, taking frequent rest breaks as needed.

Wear your cervical collar at all times (except for cleaning), or as instructed by your physician.

You will have difficulty swallowing after surgery. This is due to swelling of the esophagus and is normal after this type of surgery. It will last only a few days. You may need to eat soft foods such as applesauce, oatmeal, or mashed potatoes.

It is unusual for all of your symptoms to go away immediately after surgery. In general, the longer you have had problems, the longer it takes for the symptoms to go away.

Be patient with the healing process.

PAIN MEDICINE

If you are given a prescription for pain medication, take the medication only when needed and for as long as you need it.

Pain medications containing a narcotic can cause constipation, drowsiness, or lightheadedness.

To prevent constipation, you may increase your water intake and increase the amount of fruit and fiber in your diet. If these measures do not help and you become constipated, you may use an over-the-counter stool softener (such as Colace), or a mild laxative (such as Milk of Magnesia).

Please note that many narcotic pain medications cannot be refilled over the telephone. If you need a refill on your pain medication, please contact your Family Physician first. If your Family Physician is unable to refill your prescription, you may call our office. This may require that you come to the office to pick up a prescription.

SYMPTOMS TO REPORT TO YOUR PHYSICIAN

Any signs and symptoms of infection, such as fever of 101 degrees or higher, redness or swelling of incision, increased pain, drainage from your incision.

New or increased pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling of arms or neck.

Persistent or severe headache.

Calf tenderness and/or calf swelling.

Difficulty urinating, swallowing, or shortness of breath.

Hoarse voice or difficulty speaking.

HELPFUL LINKS

Spine Health

Neurosurgery Patient Information

Neck Pain Reference

HOW TO CONTACT US

If you have any problems or questions call the office at 717-920-7664.

You may send an e-mail if you wish to info@pnni.org. Please specify which physician you are seeing.

FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENT

If you need to schedule a follow-up appointment or have questions about your appointment, please call 717-920-7664.