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After Your Posterior Cervical Surgery

WOUND CARE

You may shower 24 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 drive until after your next clinic appointment or until cleared by your physician.

You may begin light housework 2 weeks after surgery.

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 clinic appointment 2-4 weeks after surgery. You may break it up over the course of the day, taking frequent rest breaks as needed.

You may wear a soft cervical collar if you wish. Sometimes this helps reduce post-operative pain.

You will have post-operative pain. Surgery on the back of the neck can be quite uncomfortable for several days after surgery. Ice is generally very helpful, placed over the back of the neck and shoulders.

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.