Cervical anterior discectomy w/ anterior fusion

[jackieg412]

I am sure everyone is aware that the cars headrest is there for protection in cases of an accident. You are right that it pushes the head forward and it hurts.
When I had the car accident, I did have a pillow for the spine. I did end up with a broken neck. It would be really hard to tell if it injury would have happened no matter what.
I limit my trips in a car as much as I can.

[rohrer01]

I agree about headrests. What I meant was that finding a comfortable headrest is the worst for me. I had to ride in my son's car which has forward pushing headrests. My solution was to lean the seat back. I apologize for my misleading statement.

[rohrer01]

UPDATE

Had x-ray today. All is healing ahead of schedule and I no longer need a neck brace. It looked really good. So thankful!

I was wrong about the instrumentation. I have 3 titanium cages, one long titanium plate, and 8 titanium screws.

[jackieg412]

I'm hoping you are still doing okay. Do you still have most movement in your cervical?

[rohrer01]

My range of motion post surgery is primarily unchanged except to the right where I was hyper-flexible due to the angle of my scoliotic neck which is now straight.. I have had a round of new severe muscle spasms since being out of collar. I was able to get trigger point injections for those. I also developed tonsillitis...very painful. Since I can't have NSAIDs for at least 18 months, the doctor gave me a few narcotics to hold me through the pain of the spasms and viral infection. I have occasionally on put my brace back on to help with muscular neck pain. I am 100% satisfied with my surgery.

Thanks for asking. :-)

[jackieg412]

Glad you are satisfied with your surgery. I found the cervical easier than the spine. Anterior cervical isn't too bad but not as easy from the back. Muscle spasms will happen as things are in a different place. I use heated packs often . it helps.
Next week I have a difficult drive, to my MRI and pain Dr visit. 100 miles round trip. Also an expressway that is a challenge. I hope for good weather at least.