Your surgeon and team take incredible care to prevent complications, but any surgery carries a certain level of risk and the potential for complications Some of these risks and complications can be serious. They can occur during surgery or may develop throughout your recovery. General risks of surgery The general risks of surgery include: Anesthesia reaction, such as an allergic reaction and problems with breathing Bleeding Blood clot, in particular a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) that develops in the leg or pelvis. A DVT can travel to your lungs, which can be life threatening. Infection Potential neck surgery complications Most people have successful outcomes after neck surgery. However, potential neck surgery risks and complications include: Nerve, muscle, or blood vessel damage Ongoing pain or disability Healing problems, which is more common in people who smoke Neck stiffness Problems with an artificial disc or spinal bone graft Pseudoarthrosis after cervical fusion. This condition occurs when there is not enough bone formation to support the graft fusing the vertebrae. It is more common in people who smoke. If it occurs, more surgery may be necessary to correct it. Spinal headache, which is due to leaking cerebrospinal fluid Worsening or recurrent symptoms Reducing your risk of complications You can reduce your risk of certain complications by: Following your doctor’s instructions on activity, dietary and lifestyle restrictions and recommendations before your surgery and during recovery Informing your doctor if you are nursing or if there is any possibility of pregnancy Notifying your doctor immediately of any concerns, such as bleeding, fever, or increase in pain Taking your medications exactly as directed Telling all members of your care team if you have allergies