If you have a surgical procedure for radiculopathy, you may stay in the hospital for a few days. During this time, you will be carefully observed to make sure there are no complications. Rehabilitation specialists will also evaluate you.
When recovering from a surgery, you may need physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy or a combination of all three. This can help you heal and regain abilities, such as swallowing, after surgery.
After you leave the hospital, you will attend outpatient physical therapy sessions for about six weeks. These sessions will teach you proper form and mechanics to help you heal and protect your head and neck.
Follow-up visits with your team at the UK HealthCare Comprehensive Spine Center will help ensure you are healing correctly after surgery.
We will also advise you about what you can and can’t do as you heal. This generally includes not lifting anything heavier than 15 pounds for at least six weeks. After follow-up, you can usually return to normal activities.
Whether or not surgery was part of your treatment, you will want to avoid reinjury:
- Avoid sudden movements or twisting the head and neck.
- Use proper posture and ergonomics.
- Always wear a seatbelt when in a motor vehicle.