Dr Adriaan Liebenberg My Spine Cervical | Page 113

My Spine - Cervical
Rehabilitation
It is incredibly important to get a lot of rest and exercise following your sur-
gery. Do not try to rush back to work, certainly not before two to three weeks
following surgery. It is important to walk for exercise and also exercise in
conjunction with the guidelines from your physiotherapist or biokineticist.
You may perform normal activities and should only wear a neck brace if your
doctor prescribed it. You should refrain from exercises that involve impact,
for three months. This would particularly include jogging, mountain biking
and equestrian pursuits.
Follow-up
You will usually be seen by your specialist after two to six weeks, but may be
seen earlier if there are any complications. You would most probably under-
go an X-ray of your neck a few months after the operation to evaluate the
bone growth between the two vertebrae. It is important that this bony growth
takes place, otherwise the operation might have to be repeated.
It is important to realise that you will have to protect your neck for the rest of
your life and apply good neck habits.
113