What Do Patients Want to Know About Cervical Spine Surgery?

What Do Patients Want to Know About Cervical Spine Surgery?

I recently typed into Google the following search term: “Cervical Spine Surgery” and Google suggested that the following are the most common questions asked by users of the search engine:

  1. Is cervical spine surgery a major surgery?
  2. How long does it take to recover from cervical spine surgery?
  3. What is the success rate of cervical spine surgery?
  4. Is cervical spine surgery risky?

We thought it would be a good idea to go through each question one by one.

 

Question 1: Is cervical surgery a major surgery?

Major surgery was traditionally thought to involve any procedure that (1) lasted longer than 3 or 4 hours and (2) with a blood loss over 1 liter or 20% of your total blood volume.  Most cervical spine procedures are done from an anterior approach and include cervical fusion or disc replacement.  These two procedures are usually less than two hours in length, with minimal blood loss. Patients usually go home the same day or the next day. In general, cervical spine surgery is not major surgery.

 

Question 2: How long does it take to recover from cervical spine surgery?

Recovery includes three aspects: (1) activities of daily living (ADLs), (2) work, and (3) physical activity. Activities of daily living include waking up and getting ready for the day, dressing yourself, caring for yourself, and driving. Most patients can accomplish these tasks immediately after surgery. Work depends on the amount of activity involved in your job, but even the most difficult work should allow patients to return within 3 to 6 months. Physical activity can be included with work, but this is more targeted towards sports such as running, yoga, cross-fit, skiing, and biking to name a few.  Running is the hardest activity, and we usually do not recommend returning to a normal schedule until 6 months after surgery.

 

Question 3: What is the success rate of cervical spine surgery?

Cervical spine surgery is very successful. It is far more effective at treating radiculopathy (arm pain) and myelopathy (weakness) than isolated cervical neck pain. Overall, 80% of patients improve after surgery.

 

Question 4: Is cervical spine surgery risky?

The risks have become much lower over the past 25 years. Common complaints after surgery include dysphagia or sore throat that occurs in 40% of patients but resolves within 1 – 2 weeks. After cervical surgery, approximately 4 – 6% of patients will develop disc degeneration at a level above or below the initial surgery site. Other complications such as heart attack, pulmonary embolus, or death occur in less than 1% of patients.



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Angelo Troiano
Angelo Troiano
14/11/2022
Very professional and thorough with my surgery.
Faith Schwenker
Faith Schwenker
22/03/2022
Dr. Abraham’s did my surgery and it was a great success. After nearly 8 years of pain, I finally found a doctor who could help me. My sciatica nerve was compressing my L4 and L5 which was giving me pain and a very poor quality of life. Not only does Dr. Abraham’s have a great bedside manner, but also he certainly knows the complexities of the spine. Thank you so much for giving me my life back!! P.S. I have referred his name to several of my friends and they too have had a successful outcome!!
Kathleen Cully
Kathleen Cully
28/05/2021
Dr. Abrahams is an extremely compassionate and highly skilled neurosurgeon who, along with Dr. C. Shannon, saved my husband's life by removing a complicated malignant metastatic brain tumor during a very long surgery. In addition, Dr. Abrahams has been my surgeon for several spinal procedures and I trust him with my life.
Kathleen Darcy
Kathleen Darcy
22/02/2021
My experience was great 😊. Dr Abraham was fabulous.
Xavier Masi
Xavier Masi
15/02/2021
Dr. Abrahams is the best, very caring and takes time out to listen instead of rushing!!! thanks Doc.. I might have to come see you again. Anthony
Dale
Dale
15/02/2021
😷 Dr Abrahams is THE BEST! He is the absolute best brain & spine surgeon by far! His group is beyond excellent! My back & neck had been fractured in an accident, and I made the mistake of seeing a "spine doctor on Tarrytown Road," who did not want to see me again unless I needed more surgery! I was outright denied an appointment, even after this "doctor" performed a lumbar laminectomy on me!!!😡 I was miserable and in excruciating pain. Then everything changed.... 🙏THANK GOD I FOUND DR ABRAHAMS! He took all the time he needed with me to come up with a new plan and thoroughly explained the correct surgery I needed. I had a fractured sacrum, lower back S1, right up to L5, needing spinal fusion. I also had cervical herniations. My life changed after Dr Abrahams took care of my surgery, his office still checks up on me to make sure I'm doing well. The office and entire staff is so helpful, friendly and caring. I recommend Dr Abrahams on a regular basis to people I meet that have brain or spine problems. Dr Abrahams is also BRILLIANT. He is the creator of many medical devices that he received patents for. When you go in his office your eyes won't know what to look at first he has so many awards & patents. He's a MUST GO TO doctor! He changed my life, and I am forever grateful to him, Lisa (his personal coordinator), and his entire staff, fellow doctors that are also in group with Dr Abrahams. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND HIM as well as the doctors in practice within his group. You will get the best care by far.😊
Helena Mattis
Helena Mattis
12/01/2021
Dr. Abrahams literally saved my life. I went to him back in 2004 in horrible shape after being misdiagnosed by my Primary Care Physician. He went above and beyond in saving my life. I highly recommend him for his skills, ability, his humanity and love he demonstrates for both his patients and his work. Helena Edwards
Farah Rubeo
Farah Rubeo
13/09/2020
Dr. Abrahams performed back surgery on me 6 years ago . I was 38 yrs old and in excruciating pain, not able to walk for longer longer than 5 minutes, sleeplessness nights and constantly being put on pain medication , including countless rounds of PT. Surgery was my only option to return to the quality of life I had before my injury and I am beyond grateful for Dr. Abrahams and his team. I have been playing softball, exercising , walking my dog and enjoying everything that I have missed for years! Dr. Abrahams to me Is a lifesaver! The best of the best !