CERVICAL LAMINECTOMY RECOVERY

CERVICAL LAMINECTOMY

Spine surgery performed on the back on the neck. Your neurosurgeon will remove bone and ligament to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots. Surgery may target a single spinal level or involve several. The recovery process may vary depending on the extent of the surgery.

RECOVERY GUIDE

RECOVERY TIMELINE

  • FIRST FEW DAYS

    • DAY 1: You may be discharged home after surgery or observed overnight in the hospital. While in the hospital you will be assisted with pain control, mobilization, and self care by your medical team.
    • PAIN: Expect to have neck pain and soreness after surgery. It can be severe at times after a laminectomy. Ice packs can be very useful to reduce pain, inflammation, and muscle soreness. Apply ice every 1 to 2 hours for 15 minutes. The neck soreness may increase for a few days before it starts to improves.
    • MEDS: You will be given pain medications by your medical team. Be sure to take the medications as directed. It is important to stay adequately hydrated after surgery and eat a healthy diet. Stool softeners are recommended while you are taking pain medications.
    • ACTIVITY: Try to walk at least twice daily. Use a cane or walker to avoid falling. Avoid strenous activity. Consider using a grabber tool to minimize bending and overhead reaching.
    • REST: Allow adequate time for rest and recovery but do not spend the entire day in bed.

  • WEEKS 1 - 3

    • PAIN: You may continue to experience muscular soreness and spams at times. Continue to apply ice every 1 to 2 hours for 15 minutes as needed to help control pain and inflammation. After the first week alternate ice/heat treatments.
    • MEDS: Take pain medications as directed. Be sure to stay hydrated and take stool softeners while taking pain medications. Narcotic pain medications can be addictive and should be used only as directed by your provider.
    • ACTIVITY: Walking is recommended at least twice daily. Avoid bending and overhead reaching. Gradually increase the amount of walking you do each week.
    • BRACE: If you were not placed in a rigid collar after surgery, consider using a soft cervical collar at times. Many patients will sleep in a soft collar or use a cervical pillow.
    • WOUND: Keep the incision clean and dry. If wearing a cervical collar consider covering the incision with a bandage. Contact your provider if you develop any drainage from the incision or other signs of infection.

  • MONTHS 1 - 3

    • PAIN: The neck pain from your surgery should improve each week after surgery. Consider alternating ice/heat treatments to the neck as needed.
    • PT: After post operative follow up with your provider you may benefit from starting outpatient physical therapy. Physical therapy will help to increase your mobility and strengthen the muscles in your spine. The therapist can also apply treatments to help with neck muscle soreness.
    • ACTIVITY: Continue to avoid heavy lifting and strenous activities that irritate the neck. Try to keep you neck in normal alignment with your head centered over your shoulders. Consider using a cervical pillow for sleeping.

  • Long Term

    • ACTIVITY: You will likely be able to resume many of your normal activities once you have fully healed. You should avoid activities that are high risk for cervical trauma
    • POSTURE: Try to focus on maintaining normal alignment with your neck. Keep your head centered over your shoulders. Consider sleeping with a cervical pillow to ensure normal alignment at night.
CERVICAL SPINE RECOVERY AIDS

CERVICAL LAMINECTOMY RECOVERY AIDS

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KEY HOME RECOVERY POINTS

The pain after surgery on the back of the neck can significant for the first few days or even weeks.

It is very important to avoid falling after your surgery. Use of a walker or cane may be needed temporarily or even permanently.

Contact your provider if you develop any of the following concerning symptoms:

  • Uncontrolled pain
  • Fever or chills
  • Drainage from the incision
  • New weakness or numbness

This guide is meant to serve as a reference for patients at Coastal Spine Institute, PC and may not be applicable to your surgery. Consult with your medical provider.