Neck Surgery Discharge Instructions

Activity Instructions

• Wear your collar at all times, including while sleeping, showering, or eating. When showering, change into the Philadelphia collar so that your main collar stays dry.
• Avoid strenuous activity such as lifting, pulling, or pushing.
• Try to maintain a balanced position of your head and neck, especially when changing from sitting to standing, etc. You may sleep in any comfortable position.
• Gradually increase your activities and let comfort be your guide. Walking is good exercise and can increase your endurance.
• Avoid running, jogging, or bicycle riding.
• You can expect a certain degree of discomfort and stiffness from the collar itself which should gradually improve.
• As you become more active, you may experience an increase in discomfort, including numbness and occasional arm pain, so do not become alarmed.
• Sexual relations may be resumed at your discretion, but you must wear the collar.
• Do not drive an automobile, ride a motorcycle, or operate dangerous machinery until you have been cleared to do so by your surgeon.

Incision Instructions

• If you have stitches that can be seen, avoid taking a bath. You may shower if you cover the incision with plastic wrap.
• If your incision has Steri-Strips, you may get the incision wet five days after surgery. The Steri-Strips will then begin to curl up and can be carefully removed.

When to Call

You will be given an appointment for your next office visit at hospital discharge. Please call our office if you develop any of the following:

• Fever (over 100 degrees), chills or sweats.
• Drainage from your incision. (A small amount of puffiness and numbness around the area of the incision is normal).
• New pain or weakness beginning after your discharge.
• Bowel or bladder difficulty.
• If your call is after hours or on the weekend, please see the instructions below.

Important Instructions Regarding Emergencies and After-Hour Calls

• If you have what you feel is a true emergency at any time, please present immediately to your local emergency room, where a doctor there will evaluate you and contact us if needed. Due to the complexity of neurosurgical procedures and treatment of neurosurgical problems, effective advice regarding emergency situations cannot be given over the telephone.
• Should you have a situation which is not life-threatening, but you feel needs addressing before normal office hours or on the weekend, please present to the local emergency room, where the physician there will evaluate you and contact us if needed.