A cervical discectomy is surgery to take out damaged tissue from the discs in the neck area of the spine. You might also have bone growths (spurs) pressing on the nerves. The surgery takes pressure off the nerves.
The doctor will take out tissue through a small cut in your neck. This cut is called an incision. It may be on the front of your neck, or it may be along your spine on the back of your neck. If the incision is at the front of your neck, your doctor will put in a small piece of bone between the vertebrae. Small plates and screws may be used to keep the bones in place. This is called fusion. If the incision is at the back of your neck, the extra piece of bone often isn't needed.
You might go home the same day you have surgery. Or you might have a short hospital stay. It usually takes a couple of weeks before you can get back to doing simple activities like light housework, office work, or longer walks. It may take a few months or longer before you can go back to a job that requires heavy labor or back to contact sports or activities where you could fall.
Surgery can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for surgery.
The cervical discectomy took out damaged tissue from the discs in the neck area of your spine. The surgery took pressure off your nerves.
You can expect your neck to feel stiff or sore. This should improve in the weeks after surgery. You may have trouble sitting or standing in one position for very long. It usually takes a couple of weeks before you can get back to doing simple activities like light housework, office work, or longer walks. It may take a few months or longer before you can go back to a job that requires heavy labor or back to contact sports or activities where you could fall. How long it takes may depend on what kind of surgery you had and the type of work you do.
Your doctor may advise you to work with a physical therapist to strengthen the muscles around your neck and back.
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