A cervical fusion is a surgical procedure that joins or fuses together 2 or more of your vertebrae in your neck or cervical spine.
The cervical fusion is often done to stabilize your neck and relieve any pain or other symptoms that are caused by conditions like neck fractures, severe neck pain, spondylolisthesis and degenerative disc disease.
Degenerative disc disease is the wearing down of the discs that are between the vertebrae.
Spondylolisthesis is forward slippage of one vertebra over another.
During a cervical fusion the surgeon will often remove any damaged discs, insert bone grafts or metal implants between your vertebrae and use screws or plates or other devices which hold your vertebrae in place.
The cervical fusions goal is to create a stable and solid structure in your neck that prevents further degeneration, improves mobility and reduces pain.
Cervical fusion is a major surgery with potential risks and complications so the cervical fusion should only be done when other treatments have not been effective.
After a cervical fusion it's normal and common to have pain between your shoulder blades and neck pain for the first couple of weeks after the cervical fusion surgery.
The pain is normal post operative pain and should slowly get better as the wounds and muscles heal.
It's also normal to have some neck stiffness and neck discomfort for awhile after the cervical fusion until you heal.
After a cervical fusion you may be able to return to work in 3 weeks to 6 weeks after the cervical fusion surgery.
And after 3 months to 4 months you should also be able to go back to any regular activities fully.
Your surgeon may also recommend physical therapy to strengthen any muscles in your neck.