Cervical Neck

I have to have neck surgery – a cervical fusion of 2 levels. Why do I have to wear a collar?

I’ve talked with four people I know who had successful fusions that didn’t have to wear the collar. Their doctors didn’t believe in them. Mine does. I’ve worn one before and I lost all flexibility with my muscles. How can I explain to my doctor that the negative impact is worse than any help they offer? My first fusion failed (with bone morphogenetic protein) and I wore the collar for two solid weeks! Not sure if he’ll use my own bone or not this time. (Different doctor this time- Thank God! -since no one noticed the fusion failed for over a year until I changed doctors – despite much pain). Any suggestions about the collar and do you know a good lawyer? haha Thanks!

Hi, I had a cervical fusion in two levels in my neck about almost three years ago. The doctor put two cages in my neck to fuse together the bones. I was only in the hospital for one night. I did wear a collar before surgery and after surgery, for just a short time. I am sorry to hear that your fusion did not work. The doctors check mine off and on by x-rays, to make sure the fusions are ok. The only problem is now I am having pain in my neck again. My doctor has told me that I have arthritis in my neck. So now I will have to suffer with this problem the rest of my life, taking pain medicine, etc. I guess I am thankful that I can at least move my neck, which I could not do before. I hope I have helped you with your question and wish you the best of luck with your next fusions. Hang in there!

Cervical Neck Care Part 1 Dr Matthew Brown Chelsanna Systems.wmv