Cervical Fusion

muxy

Hi guys,

Had a ACDF (Anterior cervical fusion and diskectomy) at the level of c6-7. Spoke with my physician/surgeon who said I could return to a stationary after 2 weeks.
So I did it today (16 days post surgery). Went for 2 hours and pushed fairly hard. Surprised how deconditioned I was. My only a litle more tender, nothing to worry about.
I haven't mentioned this to him as, I don't see him until June 14th but I would like to ride a 100 miler this year. I am sure 6 months would be OK but that is in Oct. Pretty cold around my NECK of the woods. Therefore I am shooting for Sept.
Has anybody else had this procedure? I'm told that cycling will not be a problem in the future. I am a little worried about the neck flexion. I realize I loose a bit of mobility at the fused site and I don't want to overstress my other disks. I will raise my bars. Hoping someone will provide me with a motivational story.
Happy riding.

twinbrook

I have had the surgery ( c4-5). I ride about 100 miles a week. My only real problem is neck flexion. When I want to look behind, I almost turn my whole upper body. Talk to your bike shop. They will adjust your bars to allow you to be more upright. This helped in my case. Good Luck

muxy

Thanks for the response. Looking forward to getting back at it. Are mirrors to corny? When was the fusion? I was told I could return to my previous activity level in four months. Was that your experience? What did you do for the first few months post surgery?

twinbrook

My first few months were very painful. You should take it slow. If you crash, you could really hurt your neck. I assume they put a plate with scews in?
I got back to full function probaly six months after. I had my surgery in 2000
so 6-7 years later, I never got back full range of motion. I don't care for the mirror. I feel better taking a real look behind me.
I'm actually having issues again with another disc in the neck. I will not however get surgery unless I loose function of my hands etc. while riding watch that your hands don't go numb. sit up and strech whenever you can.

muxy

I know I read that there is a 30 % chance of needing a fusion either above or below the fused site in the next 10 years. I mentioned this to my surgeon and he said he likened it to 1-2%.

Do you thing cycling is contributing to you problem?
And yes plates were used in my fusion.
I also have stenosis in c5-6 but the surgeon said most people do have stenosis here or there...don't worry about it.

twinbrook

No - the cycling has not caused more issues. If anything staring at a PC all day is worse for neck. Just take it slow for a few months. You need 4-6 months for this type of surgery