Cervical disc replacement removes a damaged disc in the neck and replaces it with an artificial disc that keeps the level moving. Most people recover quickly.
What the Surgery Does
Through a small incision in the front of the neck, the worn or herniated disc is removed to take pressure off the spinal cord and nerves. A motion-preserving implant is placed in the space. Because the level keeps moving, there is no bone fusion to wait for, and most patients do not need a hard collar.
Your Recovery, Stage by Stage
Day 0: Surgery day
How you may feelSore throat, some trouble swallowing, mild neck soreness. Arm pain is often better right away.
What you can doWalk the same day. Sip liquids and eat soft foods.
Hold off onLifting, driving.
Milestone: Most people go home the same day or the next morning.
Week 1: Home and resting
How you may feelThroat soreness fading. Tired easily.
What you can doWalk several times a day. Shower when the team says it is OK. Gentle neck movement in comfortable range.
Hold off onLifting over 10 pounds, driving while on pain medicine, baths and pools.
Milestone: Incision healing and pain controlled with less medicine.
Weeks 2-4: Getting back to routine
How you may feelEnergy returning. Some muscle tightness in the neck and shoulders.
What you can doDesk work and light activity. Driving once off narcotic pain medicine and you can turn your head comfortably.
Hold off onHeavy lifting, contact sports.
Milestone: First follow-up visit and X-ray, usually about 2 weeks after surgery.
Weeks 4-6: Building strength
How you may feelMost daily activities feel normal.
What you can doPhysical therapy if recommended. Light exercise such as walking, stationary bike.
Hold off onHeavy overhead lifting.
Milestone: Many people are back to most normal activity.
Months 3+: Back to full activity
How you may feelLittle or no arm pain; occasional stiffness.
What you can doMost work, exercise and sports, as cleared.
Hold off onNothing specific for most people, unless told otherwise.
Milestone: Follow-up X-ray to confirm the implant is in good position.
When to Call
CALL 911Trouble breathing, chest pain, or sudden weakness in your arms or legs.
CALL THE OFFICE THE SAME DAYFever over 101 F; redness, swelling or drainage from the incision; new or worsening numbness or weakness; calf pain or swelling; loss of bladder or bowel control. Trouble swallowing that is getting worse, or new swelling in the front of the neck.
CALL DURING OFFICE HOURSQuestions about medicines, paperwork, physical therapy, or returning to work.
Good to Know
- Some hoarseness or a lump-in-the-throat feeling is common and usually fades over weeks.
- Long term follow-up includes periodic X-rays to check the implant.
- Tell any future doctor or dentist that you have an artificial disc.
Questions?
Offices in Somers Point, Cherry Hill, and Brick, New Jersey, as part of Progressive Spine & Orthopaedics.
New patients: 609-800-3472
Existing patients: 609-800-3472
This page is general information, not medical advice. Every patient heals at a different pace. Your own instructions from Dr. Radcliff always come first.
See also: Getting Ready for Spine Surgery and Recovering After Spine Surgery.
