page_title: Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion
section_title: Recovery
hierarchical_section_title: Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion / Recovery
caption_attribution_description: English: Spinal cord compression, status-post 2-level, anterior cervical discectomy &amp; fusion (ACDF) with allograft.
context_page_description: Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion is a surgical procedure to treat nerve root or spinal cord compression by decompressing the spinal cord and nerve roots of the cervical spine with a discectomy, followed by inter-vertebral fusion to stabilize the corresponding vertebrae. This procedure is used when other non-surgical treatments have failed.
context_section_description: The surgery requires a short stay in the clinic (1 to 3 days) and a gradual recovery between 1 and 6 weeks. However, the technology has advanced and it can be performed by 'Endoscopic Micro Discectomy" with the patient able to continue their normal life in two days.  The patient may be advised to wear a neck brace or collar (for up to 8 weeks) that serves to ensure proper spinal alignment.  Wearing the brace heightens one's awareness of posture and positioning and helps prevent movements (e.g., sudden and/or excessive bending or twisting of the neck) that may aggravate or slow down the healing process.  
  It is especially advisable to wear a protective neck brace when traveling (e.g., by car), sleeping, showering, or any other activities in which the patient may not be able to be ensure proper spinal alignment.  In addition, physical therapy and related healing modalities (e.g., massage, acupuncture) may be recommended in order to promote proper healing, as well as to strengthen the surrounding muscles that can take over the neck brace's 'job' of ensuring proper spinal alignment when the patient starts (around 4 to 6 weeks after surgery) to wean off the neck brace.
caption: CT scan of a patient after 2-level anterior cervical discectomy & fusion (ACDF) with allograft.
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