About this topic
The spine is made up of bones called vertebrae. These bones are lined up on top of each other. In between the bones there are discs. They have a spongy middle and act like shock absorbers. Sometimes, small growths form on the bones in your neck. These are called bone spurs. They can put too much pressure on your spinal cord and nerves. You may have pain, tingling, and numbness. ‚
Back surgery to remove a vertebra and discs nearby is corpectomy. It is done to take pressure off the spinal cord and nerves. A bone graft is used to rebuild the spine. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- You may have trouble swallowing. You may also have some hoarseness. This will often go away on its own. It may take a few weeks.
- If you are a smoker, do not smoke. This could slow healing.
- Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- Your doctor will teach you the proper way of moving to protect the spine. You may have to limit the amount of time you stand. You may also have to limit how you bend.
- Talk to your doctor about how to care for your cut site. Ask your doctor about:
- When you should change your bandages
- When you may take a bath or shower
- If you need to be careful with lifting things over 10 pounds
- If you need to be careful twisting or turning
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- If you have stitches or staples, you will need to have them taken out. Your doctor will often want to do this in 1 to 2 weeks.
- Wear your brace if ordered by your doctor.
- You will need to see a physical therapist (PT). The PT will teach you exercises to help you get back your strength and motion.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Prevent infection
Will physical activity be limited?
You may have to limit your activity. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
Eating soft foods and liquids may help if you have trouble swallowing. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Bleeding or blood clots
- Damage to nerves or spinal cord
- Trachea or esophagus damage
- Graft does not stay in place
- Pain comes back
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Do weight-bearing and strengthening exercises as directed by your doctor or therapist.
- Keep a healthy weight. This can help prevent straining and pressure on your lower back.
- Practice good ways to lift things so that you do not hurt your spine. Part of your physical therapy will be to teach you how to move and lift more effectively.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, pain with passing urine or not able to pass urine.
- Signs of wound infection. These include swelling, redness, warmth around the wound; too much pain when touched; yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge; foul smell coming from the cut site; cut site opens up.
- Very bad pain
- Trouble breathing or swallowing liquids
- Weakness or numbness
- Problem with walking, standing, or moving
- Problem passing urine or loss of bowel or bladder control
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my procedure.
- I can tell you how to care for my cut site.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have trouble breathing; weakness or problems with walking, standing, or moving; or trouble with my bowels or bladder.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00539 ‚
KnowYourBack.org ‚
http://www.knowyourback.org/Pages/Treatments/SurgicalOptions/AnteriorCervicalFusion.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚