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Spinal surgery - cervical

• Overview
• Recovery
• Risks

Alternative Names:

Cervical spinal surgery

Expectations after surgery:

More than 90% of patients who have surgery on a single herniated disk have complete or near-complete relief from their symptoms.

The results of more complex surgeries on multiple disks vary, and depend on the technique and the particular case.

Spinal stenosis is more difficult to treat. About 50 - 90% of patients can expect good to excellent results.

Convalescence:

The hospital stay is about 7 days. You will be encouraged to walk the first or second day after surgery to reduce the risk of blood clots ( deep venous thrombosis ).

Complete recovery takes about 5 weeks. Heavy work is not recommended until several months after surgery or not at all.

• Review Date: 9/21/2006
• Reviewed By: Jeffrey Kauffman, MD, Sacramento Knee and Sports Medicine, Sacramento, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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