Neck Surgery Instruction Sheet

These instructions are intended to be a brief guide to help you in your recovery. Please follow these and any additional instructions until you return for your follow-up appointment.

Your follow-up appointment is with Dr. _______________________________________

On ____________________________ at ______________________________________

Location of Office: ________________________________________________________

Phone number: ___________________________________________________________

Restriction for the first four weeks or until follow-up appointment:

· Do not lift anything heavier than 5 pounds.

· Do not drive until the cervical collar is removed.

· Avoid all strenuous activity.

Activities:

Short walks as tolerated are permitted for the first two weeks. After that you may increase the distance gradually.

Walking up and down stairs is permitted as tolerated.

Traveling in a car for short distances is permitted as tolerated.

Care of the incision:

If you have sutures or staples these will need to be by your family doctor or by your surgeon’s office staff located: ____________________________________________

Weekday removal does not require a appointment but call first in order to assure available staff.

If you have steri-strips they will fall off or may be removed by you in seven to ten days after surgery.

For seven to ten days after surgery use clear plastic bandages and gauze over the incision site for showering. You may have the collar off to shower but do not move your head from neutral position. Occasionally you may not be permitted to have your collar off nor shower and your physician will determine this and tell you prior to discharge.

Call your physician immediately if your experience redness, swelling, discharge or tenderness near the incision, or if you experience fever or night sweats.

Physical therapy: You may need Physical therapy. This will be decided and arranged during your first follow-up appointment.

Medication:

Your physician has prescribed the following medication:

1. ______________________________________________

2. ______________________________________________

Do Not drive or consume alcoholic beverages while taking pain medications.

Cervical collar:

You must wear your cervical collar at all times, except when showering or unless you have received other instructions.

X-rays:

A prescription for you to obtain an X-ray will be provided when you are discharged. On or near the day of your office visit obtain an X-ray of your neck and bring your X-ray with you. You may need authorization from your Primary Physician in order to obtain this X-ray.

If you notice any symptoms that persist despite rest or medications or if you have any questions, please contact your physician.

This information is selective and does not include all possible effects and complication resulting from this medical condition, diagnostic procedure or treatment. Potential complications should be discussed in more detail with your physician.

Call, toll-free, at 888-234-4357 to learn more.

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Disclaimer:

Every effort has been made by the author (s) to provide accurate, up-to-date information. However, the medical knowledge base is dynamic and errors can occur. By using the information contained herein, the viewer willingly assumes all risks in connection with such use. Neither the author nor UPMC shall be held responsible for errors, omissions in information herein nor liable for any special, consequential, or exemplary damages resulting, in whole or in part, from any viewer(s)' use of or reliance upon, this material.

CLINICAL DISCLAIMER:

Clinical information is provided for educational purposes and not as a medical or professional service. Person(s) who are not medical professionals should have clinical information reviewed and interpreted or applied only by the appropriate health professional(s).

For questions or comments, please contact: bostj@msx.upmc.edu

Last Updated: October 5, 2001