Duration of hospital stay

Since an operation on the cervical spine is performed as an in-patient, a subsequent stay in hospital of 5-6 days must be expected. During the stay in hospital and in the following 5-6 weeks it is necessary that the patient rests and does not do any heavy work, such as carrying heavy loads. Desk activities can be resumed earlier depending on the pain.

About 8 weeks after the cervical spine surgery, physiotherapy can be started to rebuild the neck, shoulder and cervical muscles and stabilize the cervical spine. In addition, sports such as swimming or cycling can be slowly resumed. In general, the healing process depends on the individual constitution, the course of the operation and complications involved, and the willingness to do something to improve stability during physiotherapy, and subsequently independently.

Aftercare

A cervical spine surgery should be followed by a follow-up healing treatment, i.e. a follow-up treatment or rehab, in order to stabilize the cervical spine again, build up muscles and improve the range of motion. During the first four weeks, the cervical spine should not be rotated or nodded until the end of movement. Weights should only be worn close to the body or avoided altogether, and work should not be carried out overhead.

After six to eight weeks, light training, cycling, swimming or jogging may be resumed, in consultation with the treating physician. After this period, physiotherapeutic aftercare or rehab is also advisable, as muscle building can now begin again. In most hospitals it is already possible during the in-patient stay to inform yourself about the possibilities of post-treatment and to choose the best one for you personally.

There is usually the possibility of an outpatient rehab, where the patient receives physiotherapeutic treatment in an outpatient rehab facility. The treatment takes place during the day, for about six to seven hours, usually including lunch. If the patient is not yet able to drive a car, driving services are also offered.

The other possibility is an in-patient rehabilitation, after a cervical spine surgery this is usually scheduled for three to six weeks. The patient remains in the rehabilitation facility for the duration of the rehabilitation and receives a comprehensive offer of individual gymnastics, group gymnastics, massages, exercises in the swimming pool and possibly lectures on the topic. After about three months, riskier sports such as tennis, skiing or horseback riding are usually allowed again, always in consultation with the treating physician.