[ashley]

#6687

Hi Dr. I had my acdf c6/c7 with cage and hardware 3 weeks ago now. I seem to be doing fine and I go see my neuro next week at the 4 week mark.

However, I have forgotten and bent over at the waist a few times and once opened a fire door for myself. I know I am not supposed to do those things but should I be worried I have affected my fusion? I will try to do better. Thanks Dr.

[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#6732

Your ACDF surgery with plate should be strong enough to withstand bending forward and limited day to day activities for the first 8 weeks.

Dr. Corenman

[ashley]

#6750

Good to know thank you.

I was given limited aftercare instructions after my acdf with internal fixation when released from hospital. Nowhere did it mention not to take ibuprofen in my aftercare booklet.

For the first 2 weeks after my acdf I took 400 mg of ibuprofen 4 times a day.

I have noticed looking at other after care instructions that this is not advised because they say it can lead to a nonunion.

Will this ibuprofen that I took have an affect on my fusion?

And I also have robaxacet. Is this safe to take after fusion?

Thank you.

[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#6751

All NSAIDs including ibuprofen will reduce inflammation. Inflammation is the beginning building block of bone healing. By taking ibuprofen, you short circuit the inflammation phase.

I think NSAIDs can contribute to lack of union but the percentage reduction of fusion should not be too great. You probably will be just fine and the fusion should be OK in spite of the NSAID use.

Robaxacet is a muscle relaxant with Tylenol included. These are OK to take immediatley after surgery.

Dr. Corenman

[ashley]

#6805

Thanks so much Dr.

At 5 weeks out my dr cleared me to drive,light activities and physical relations. I have been fine with all of this.

However Friday night I slept wrong and kinked my neck. I have had to take 8mg dilaudid just to take the edge off the pain coming from the back of my neck. No radiculopathy.

Is this flare up something common or could I have done something more serious? I do have a plate and screws.

Thanks.

[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#6808

Normally I have my patients wear the collar only at night for six weeks to keep the neck aligned when sleeping. This method generally prevents a “kinked” neck in the morning.

Dr. Corenman

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