How long does it take to recover after cervical spondylosis surgery?

For patients with more serious cervical spondylosis, conservative treatments can no longer improve the condition. At this time, surgical treatment may be needed. Cervical spondylosis surgery has certain risks. After the operation, the patient needs to be adjusted in time. Only in this way can the health of the body be gradually restored. During the recovery process of the operation, care must be strengthened and attention must be paid to details.

Postoperative care for cervical spondylosis

The success of any surgery. In addition to adequate preparation before surgery and good operation during surgery, postoperative observation and care also play a very important role. Due to the special anatomical location of cervical spondylosis surgery, postoperative treatment should be given even greater importance. It is reported that accidental death after cervical spine surgery is more common after surgery, and mainly occurs within 24 hours after surgery. Therefore, high attention should be paid to the postoperative observation and care of patients with cervical spondylosis, especially within 24 hours after surgery, which is a dangerous period for the occurrence of complications.

When the cervical spondylosis surgery is completed and the patient returns to the ward, doctors and nurses should prepare first aid items such as infusion stands, blood pressure monitors, tracheotomy kits, venous incision kits, oxygen cylinders, suction devices, etc. for emergency use. Observe blood pressure and pulse in time and pay close attention to breathing. If breathing difficulties occur and are accompanied by thickening of the neck, it may be caused by deep cervical hematoma compressing the trachea, and emergency measures should be taken immediately.

At the same time, pay attention to braking the head and neck, and reduce the frequency and amplitude of neck movements. Place a sandbag on each side of the head and neck to stabilize the head and neck. A 200-250g sandbag wrapped in a sterile towel is placed on the incision to reduce bleeding and prevent the bone graft or artificial joint from slipping out.

In addition, in order to prevent reactive spinal cord edema, drugs such as 50% glucose solution, dexamethasone, and mannitol can be given. At the same time, antibiotics can also be given appropriately to prevent infection. After the operation, the patient also has a lot of work to cooperate with. First of all, follow the instructions of doctors and nurses and do not get up and move around at will to avoid accidents. In addition, in order to reduce respiratory secretions, in addition to steam atomization inhalation, you should drink more cold drinks to reduce edema and congestion in the throat.

To prevent lung complications, you should take deep breaths and try to cough out phlegm if you have it. To prevent urinary tract infection, try to remove the catheter as early as possible and urinate on your own as much as possible. To facilitate early recovery, some small-range movements of the limbs can be performed in bed. Although there are certain risks after cervical spine surgery, this risk can be greatly reduced as long as doctors, nurses and patients work together.

Under what circumstances does cervical spondylosis require surgery?

First of all, we need to establish a general principle: if you have cervical spondylosis, try to choose conservative treatment if it can be treated conservatively, and never undergo surgery unless it is absolutely necessary.

The basic principles of conservative treatment include relaxing muscles, appropriately correcting abnormal curvature, improving circulation, promoting the absorption of edema and inflammatory substances, and nourishing nerves. Commonly used treatments include immobilization, traction, hot compress, massage, cupping, etc. These methods are more suitable for patients with milder conditions and no spinal stenosis, such as simple neck pain or transient numbness of the hands.