Cervical Surgery

Tommy Bonds

I did a quick search but didn't find any info specific to my question. Have any of you experienced ACDF (anterior cervical discectomy fusion) surgery of C4/5 & C5/6 & if so can you share your recovery plan?  I have been dealing w herniated disk for over 20years & pain goes & comes but Dec 8 I experienced pain that resulted in a numb right arm & major loss of strength in the arm & hand. I decided to go to the Dr who did a MRI that showed C4-6 herniated as I already knew. Sent me to a neuro surgeon again. Last time I went was about 10yrs ago. This time the neurosurgeon suggested surgery due to the loss of strength & use of arm. He said PT would likely not help in this situation & the sooner the better for best results of reversing or preventing further damage. I have a couple triathlon PT buddies that advise against surgery. Timing is not great but could be worse. I am registered for a 70.3 May 21 (exactly 4mths post surgery) & a full Oct 15. Not to worried about the full at this point. The 70.3 on the other hand has me concerned. My son & I planned to do this one together as it may be our last for a while. He graduates in May & will be entering the Naval Academy in July so he will be out of pocket unless he makes the academy triathlon team. I really want to continue preparing for the race as best I can. Dr said we would discuss getting back on the bike trainer as early as 2wks but no running for at least 3mths due to the fusion & time it takes for bones to fuse properly. I'm hoping elliptical is an option soon after surgery. Swimming may be my biggest challenge w him. Maybe I can convince him to let me swim w a snorkel to prevent head movement while building fitness. Does anyone have experience w this type surgery & training?

Kristin Kandiel

Tommy -
Sorry to hear about your neck. I am an Orthopedic Spine PA and we do these cases on a regular basis.  Feel free to e-mail me your phone number if you have any questions.  Every surgeon has their own post-op instruction but I maybe able to help with your "recovery training" options.  mill23@hotmail.com

Al Truscott

No surgery, but I had a major neck injury 6 years ago which resulted in broken vertebral processes C5-7, spinal cord contusion same area, with loss of strength and sensation in both upper limbs. Neck brace for 6 weeks, then started walking, riding on the trainer, with swimming and running waiting until 4 months after. While I did a full IM 9.5 months after the injury, and another @ which I KQ'd 14 months after, I was WAY too ambitious about my recovery, and looking back, wish I'd taken a more realistic approach about my return to the wars. I'd say, go and cheer your son on, but don't plan on doing the race yourself. You've got, what another 30 + years to go with this neck, you want them to be pain free. Triathlon will still be there when you are ready to get back on the horse. This is what I wish somebody had told me at the time. While I had good initial success, I think I tried too much too soon and paid for it with diminished performance in years 2-4 after the accident.

Robert Sabo

Neurosurgeon specializing in spine surgery here.  I do many of these surgeries each week.  If you have significant weakness, I would also favor surgery if MRI findings are appropriate.  I assume if you had a problem for more then 10 years you are probably not a candidate for artificial disc surgery.  I agree with Kristin that each surgeon has there own post op protocols.  I would let you on the trainer in 2 weeks; in the pool with snorkel about 4-6weeks and without snorkel at 8-10 weeks; and back to running 8-12 weeks depending on how you were feeling and progressing in post op PT.  You should be able to complete the 70.3 but not race it as an A race.  You can ask me further questions here or PM me if you want.

Tommy Bonds

Robert & Kristin I will hit you up after my 2 week follow up. Thank you Al for the advice. I feel ok 24hrs post surgery but will take it day by day & make changes as needed. I realistically hope that I can do the Chattanooga race in May but not really race it as an A race. I have 9mths to get ready for Louisville so I am still optimistic that I can compete in it although it may not be my best.