ACDF (Anterior Cervical Diskectomy and Fusion) - What is it? How do you do it? What can I do after?

[@stellabriganti2775]

Thank you so much for great explanation, I’m going for that surgery pretty soon .

[@brianmurphy5313]

It would be excellent if all surgeons had such empathy and interest in communicating so clearly for the patients. Thanks for doing this.

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

Thank you for the kind words, Brian

[@oliverramirez459]

Thank you Dr I’ve got my surgery 6 weeks ago and now I can watch what they did to me kind of scary 😩thank you for all the explanations step by step and now I understand what they did in my surgery. God bless you Dr❤🙏

[@Gator805]

Having this done in 2 weeks in St. Louis. Can't wait. The pain is getting worse every day.

[@introtopublicspeaking1222]

I just had my C4-C7 surgery on Tuesday. My pain level is 0-1. I thought I would be out for a while. I stayed overnight in the hospital. Nothing but the work of God! I'm uo moving around like no surgery was done. I did have swallowing day one,but that's it. Swallowing is fine now.

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

thats great to hear! good luck!

[@dorothyharberts9099]

I just had the ACDF C4-C6 two weeks ago. I have been watching these types of videos for the past week or so. I wanted to know what to expect within the first year after surgery. My surgery was successful so all the pain and discomfort I had been living with for years is gone. I am now dealing with the swallowing issue and just wanted to know more about the recovery process and time. This is by far the best video I have seen. You did an amazing job with the pictures you used and explaining everything so that it was so easy to understand. Thank you!

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

Happy to hear about your result, Dorothy. In general, patients will have some swallowing difficulty and some back of the neck pain (almost like whiplash) for around a month after surgery. This generally will improve with time. I do have patients that tell me that with certain foods and certain positions they "feel something in their throat" which may be some scar tissue between your esophagus and the plate or bones. The more time goes on the more that scar tissue breaks up. A very small amount of ppl have persistent swallowing issues (~4%).

[@rosannapaluski2184]

Dorothy how is your scar on your neck? Hope your still doing well. I need the surgery but am afraid of the scar 😞

[@sherilynschneider]

@@rosannapaluski2184 Me too...already have one scar at C6. So not wanting another. :(

[@lalaladybird2]

I had a three level done six years ago. I had difficulty swallowing and talking for about four weeks. The pain felt like a combo of whiplash and strep throat, but the sore throat pain went away after a few days. The scar fades very nicely. It is barely noticeable now. I put scar gel on it once I got the okay from my surgeon and made sure to put sunblock on it. Good luck to you!

[@TheBillmill1]

@@rosannapaluski2184 you can hardly see mine I had surgery 6 months ago.

[@CandySteffan]

I just had acdf surgery 1 week ago. Your video has answered a lot of my questions. Well done sir, thank you!!

[@swatts2121]

This is by far the best video I have seen so far having this surgery soon and now I feel confident and not so scared. Thank you so much❤

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

thanks for the kind words

[@glennchristie2316]

Me too.. Mine will be within a couple months..

[@Veterans2009]

It’s been 5 days now post my ACDF, I am a new man after 2 years of pain changed c4 c5 c6 c7. May Allah almighty bless my dr.

[@heapsofttech]

I need help. I have multiple disks in neck that need help.. Where are you? I live in Pakistan.. Kindly advise

[@Safariesta]

How do you feel now?

[@Safariesta]

May allah heal you , ihave the same discs as you gor injured from wrestling two years ago and theres no numbness or tingiling but crazy discomfort and blocked neck and shoulder and always try to crack it also my shoulders feels its not at its place . I dont know if surgery would make me regain my life because everyday i thunk of it and of the discomofort and i get tired easily.

[@Veterans2009]

@@Safariesta it’s been 4 months and a half, much better, but I still have old issues that needs dry needling, deep masssage etc. discs is not the only issue. My operation is successful but still I need to unstiff my neck

[@Veterans2009]

@@Safariesta كم عمرك وكيف احساسك بالضبط وهل يوجد ضعف بالحركة؟

[@bwalyahaangala6025]

One of the best teachers everrrrrrrrrrrrrr Thank you!!

[@kellys6164]

This is an outstanding video. I just had 2 level ACDF 5 days ago. So helpful.

[@Lord_Don]

How you making out? Please lmk something I'm having 3 level

[@j.b.8968]

These explanations were so clear concise and details. Every instruction included all the things I would have asked questions about, great video!

[@sapphirebluebird777]

My mom is having this surgery on the 21st and we both just watched this and we both wanted to say thank you for such useful information and for making her feel a bit better about this operation over all. You're awesome!!

[@irshadahmed5880]

This video is highly educated. Almost no one made this kind of so simple and i can not not explain...vey nice creater......100 star

[@georgesvideos6837]

I had a cervical fusion 5, 6 and 7. Great video. Very easy to understand and follow. The one thing I'd caution is Tylenol, people tend to take that 4 months at a time to manage pain and recent research has shown that there are significant side effects with Tylenol in your liver.

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

That is an excellent point

[@donnah565]

Acetaminophen also depleats the brain of protective glutithione!Definitely need to be replacing that. It's horrible no one ever mentions that, especially for our growing children..

[@debra2757]

Thank you for this video. It gives me a better understanding of what surgery I received. Had this done in Nov. 2021. It is now Jan. 2022 and it has made a world of difference for me. I no longer have daily migraines, I have use of my arms and my two outer fingers no longer hurt and I can move them. I have a decrease of neck pain by over 85%. Having the right neurosurgeon is a must along with his team. I live around St. Louis Missouri and have been suffering for many years and living on pain meds. Finally someone did something to help after years of suffering. Pain management just wants to give injections which did not work. I also was having other issues because of my nerves being so badly pinched. It is painful for about a week or two but I'm so happy now.

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

Happy you are doing better! I'm an orthopedic surgeon with spine training and both neurosurgeons and ortho spine surgeons do the same excellent job for these conditions.

[@debra2757]

@@ArmaghaniSpine Thank you! God Bless you and all you do to help people that need it. I'm Blessed to be able to have had this. I can enjoy life now.

[@monicachaidez4713]

So this is causing my migraines...wow I knew it.😒

[@angiemay2250]

I have an ACDF scheduled in a couple weeks. This video really helped me understand the procedure and what all to expect. I’m grateful you took the time to put this together! Thank you!

[@kensilverstein2910]

Good luck Angie. I am hoping to get my scheduled very soon. My laminectomy no longer helping

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

Best of luck!

[@betseysarris8927]

@AngieMay- Hoping your surgery went extremely well and healing process if off to a good start!

[@betseysarris8927]

@@kensilverstein2910 best of health to u Ken!

[@denisemariner9755]

Stellar presentation! As a RN, and facing ACDF multiple levels, this provided me with a clearer presentation of surgery, recovery, and my potential future. Thank you so very much. Wish you were up here in MD!

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

Thank you, Denise. Good luck on your upcoming surgery. Remember, it's a marathon not a sprint!

[@denisemariner9755]

@@ArmaghaniSpine Thank you for your kind words! For me, a day at a time and...be patient, with the patient!☺️

[@pizzagirl9908]

Do you work in the OR?

[@damonvincent7584]

Thank you so much for posting this. I'm thinking of having this surgery and this answered several of the questions I had and more. It has definitely put my mind at ease about the recovery process.

[@avawillis1920]

You are truly a Godsend this video has gave me much Peace about having this surgery very detailed. I have my surgery on Sept. 18. I thank God for you and those who made comments, Thank you

[@PoppaLongroach]

Ive been in pain close to 10 years. I see a surgeon next week for this. Great explanation, i feel much better about whats going on in my neck and the surgery to fix it. Thank You ❤

[@fritootr]

How are you?

[@imaaggie]

I had this surgery last week to repair three discs. Your video is so well done and informative and almost mirrors exactly the procedure described by my surgeon in Dallas. It helped reinforce that I made the right decision. The points about it being a marathon vs race also serve as a reminder why I’m not feeling like jumping into the Olympics anytime soon as well! Thanks for taking the time to provide this information.

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

You are most welcome! Good luck on your recovery!

[@melissaaustin66]

Did you have to wear a neck brace? What medicine was prescribed.

[@dawntanger1879]

Who did your surgery?

[@MrFarisbawazier]

I had my surgery on 21 Feb 2021, Yes the symptoms as per your explanation, Thanks for clear explanation. I like your quote, " it's a marathon not a sprint!". Amazing video Doctor.

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

Thank you, Faris! It's a saying that my father always used to use

[@qinglongwu8224]

Thank you so much for the informative information. This is one of the best videos I have seen so far on this topic. Thank you so much.

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

Glad it was helpful!

[@A_Flicker_of_Light]

This makes me feel less nervous for surgery. Thank you for explaining it very in depth.

[@mariawong7350]

@@A_Flicker_of_Light very well explained I’m a retired or nurse with cervical degenerative disc disease. Seen already a spine surgeon here in Las Vegas he said I don’t need surgery only physical therapy not helping not even prescribed meds. Where are u in the U.S.?

[@bremmengrimm2828]

Thank you for this video. I am having this surgery tomorrow and have been stressing out about it. This helped relieve a huge amount of stress for me. Thank you!

[@NiccBlacc-NCBC]

How are you post op ?

[@LearnAtMyExpense]

Just wanted to thank you for this video. It was very helpful for me pre-surgery. I had four level ACDF (C3-C7) four weeks ago. I woke up to no pain, aside from some achy shoulders. Went home from hospital next day and have been pain free entire time. No drugs. Walking 4+ miles per day. As there aren't many multilevel positive recovery stories on KZbin I started documenting my recovery progress as the few out there that I was able to find prior to my surgery were really encouraging. Thanks again!

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

what a great idea and thank you for your contribution to other patients who will undoubtedly be in your spot.

[@heapsofttech]

Since you have surgery at multiple levels can you move neck like before?

[@fyrdawg533]

My wife (mid 60's and still employed) is having this procedure on Feb 3, 2022 and I just watched your presentation. She has been diagnosed with Severe Scoliosis but our surgeon agrees the higher priority at present is addressing the cervical spine issue. He plans to fuse C5-6-7 and place a cage between C6-7. He also quickly explained his "plan of attack" but your in-depth presentation made everything perfectly clear and answered all my questions. I so appreciate your very thorough addressing of Risks, Recovery, etc.! I am so glad I found your presentation. God Bless!

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

Thank you so much for the kind words. Good luck to your wife. A solid plan of attack can be very comforting in the setting of scoliosis and other conditions higher up.

[@MD-ty3fc]

Thank You DR. for sharing this educational and informative video. Your time is precious and having the time to do this video and explain in detail is excellent. You are a very dedicated doctor, very kind and understand the patients needs, very clear explanatory. Thank You So Much. From New York 😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇🙏

[@martinhofvenstam4283]

Thank you. Had C6 - Th1 diskectomy with fusion one week ago here in Sweden. This video is the most helpful I have come across. A lot less worried after watching 👍

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

Good luck!

[@NiccBlacc-NCBC]

Was yoursbdone anteriorly ?

[@gigibonifacio8246]

Thank you so much for this awesome informative video. I am so thankful and grateful you will be doing my surgery Wednesday. I can’t wait to get some pain relief.

[@christellevanhout2398]

I had the ACDF C5-C6-C7 18 days ago done by Dr Achahbar in Jessa Hasselt Belgium... I have seen many websites before but this is the best video I have seen. Your pictures and explaining is very clear and helpfull. I know now to be more patient with the swallowing difficulties and have trust that everything will work out fine. I will recommand this video !

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

Thank you for the kind comments coming all the way from Belgium! Give it time. Usually by 4 weeks the swallowing difficulty is mostly resolved. It is reported as under 4% of people who have long-term swallowing issues. Those people are generally older, have preexisting swallowing problems, have surgery higher up in the cervical spine, and have more than 3 levels done.

[@robertwhitemoto]

This is likely in my future... neck pain and arm/hand numbness symptoms, MRI showed disc herniation. I'm a bit nervous about this and learning as much as I can. Your video was well done and you explained it for the layman... Thank you.

[@billieburns8471]

Had this done over 3 mo ago. Had 3,4 and 5,6 fused. The pain in my left arm is the worst I have ever had. I’m not a stranger to pain so I thought I could stand this pain but no it is so awful. Thank you for you info about it taking nerves a year to feel “normal”. I have nearly given up on being pain free.

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

hang in there!

[@traygoodie]

How are you now?

[@JamesEvans-y6l]

Neck surgery 7 months 4567disc replaced. I’m in worst pain now than before the surgery my arms are numb and painful

[@Gigi30107]

​@@JamesEvans-y6lno! So sorry! Hope it calms down asap

[@chuckborozinski5110]

Thank you for making this video. I had C4-C7 Disectomy and Fusion 1 week ago and of course I was expecting to come out with all my nerve pain gone. Nerve pain has been sporadic at this point and I forget how long I was dealing with it prior to the surgery. Your great explanation of what to expect after has set my mind at ease. I will be having my Post Op Dr visit Nov 7th and get an idea of how things are going. Again, thank you for making and posting this very informative video. :)

[@charlie0742001]

How are you feeling now? What about mobility? I’m having the same procedure next month.

[@GeniusMarty]

I have seen a lot of videos about ACDF, by far this is the best .Thanks a lot .

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

Thank you, Marty!

[@pamelawarner9010]

Excellent video. I had the surgery 3 weeks ago. I didn't know what questions to ask prior to the surgery but now after I have quite a few. This video helped explain.

[@mentelapositiva]

Doctor Sheyan J. Armaghani I have seen your video and I think that your explanation is very complete and professional. I wish that you be the surgeon who performs my operation. Thank you very much, may God continue to fill you with Blessings your person inspires security and confidence.

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

good luck ignacio!

[@toddsherman8492]

I had 3 level ACDF C 4 thru 7 3 weeks ago. I was driving after one week and pain free and overall much quicker recovery than I thought. Swallowing a little tough at first but all good now. My guidance is find yourself the best Neurosurgeon you can and ensure your getting up to date technology with Titanium cage spacers and NOT Allograft bones and plates.

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

Thank you, Todd. I use exclusively titanium cages as well. Glad you are doing better. I will also add that Orthopedic Spine surgeons (I am one) do the exact same surgeries are the neurosurgeons. I just encourage patients to get as many opinions as they feel appropriate for their condition and pick the surgeon they have the best rapport with. Trust is important when thinking about elective surgery. Good luck!

[@squiggles5639]

Thank you for explaining clearly. I had the operation from the back of the neck C5 and C6. Would you consider making a video of that?

[@beverlyhicks3794]

The best teaching video I’ve seen. Thank you.

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MilestoneMarcy]

I am facing this surgery in the near future. This was an excellent video explaining ACDF surgery. Thank you for sharing!

[@maximamontenegro7268]

Thank you Dr A . I’m going to undergo ACDF anytime soon . I learned a lot from this video . Hoping for speedy recovery post op. Very intelligent Dr .

[@langholdt]

Incredible video, so informative. My Spine Specialist was impressed that I was able to learn so much from this 1 video. Thank you so kindly as this surgery is major and now I feel informed. Many blessings to you!

[@angelawhite1016]

This video has helped relieve my anxieties about this surgery. Now i know what to expect and i have more confidence about recovery. Thank you so much Dr. Armaghani.

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

You are very welcome, Angela

[@gingermcguire6131]

This video was excellent! I wish I would’ve had this information prior to my surgery. I wish you would’ve been my doctor.

[@elixerguy]

5 weeks out and feeling good. Thanks for helping my understand why.

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

Glad to hear!

[@LMMLR4]

This doctor explains this the best!

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

Thank you, Linda!

[@meaghanwaddle3656]

Thank you so much. I just had this done 1 month ago. I went in to the hospital for numbness in my arm and they explained I had a herniated disc and needed surgery and I got it done the next day. After watching your video I realized my drs left out a lot of information when they talked to me about it. I am a smoker and they knew that no one explained that that could be a risk of it not fusing told me not to take ibuprofen but didn't tell me why etc so I appreciate this video. At least now I know. Thank you.

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

In an urgent scenario, like it seems you are in, the benefits of acdf likely outweigh the risks that come along with not fusing if you are a smoker. The rates of fusion for a smoker vs. a non smoker for a 1 level ACDF is around 80ish% vs. 95+% so it isn't like a smoker will never fuse. Good luck!

[@latonyafowlkes3435]

This is by far the best presentation I’ve seen. I had C4-C7 in August. Recovery has been rough as I had lost function on the right side prior to surgery. Still have sensitivity in my right forearm but I can at least lift my arm.

[@mmcnei2]

Best to you. You and I have same issue. For me, i could not lift left arm. 1 epidural helped then 17 mos later c3-7 acdf but it was too late and spinal cord injury was perm. I did not really understand what cervical myelopathy meant and now advise everyone to NOT wait. My symptoms moved/ worsened b4 surgery on right hand. Am very lucky tho. Perm damage yes, but arranged for care at HSS. 5 days in hospital. Could not swallow water. Just take this yr 1 day at a time.

[@charlie0742001]

How are you feeling now? What about mobility? I’m having the same procedure next month.

[@latonyafowlkes3435]

@@charlie0742001im much better. I have slight pain in my right arm still but nowhere near the pain I had before. I was able to start working out six months after the surgery. I continue to do low impact exercises. If you don’t have a recliner invest in one because I didn’t sleep in my bed for the first two months.

[@tammymcdonough9552]

Awesome video! I am very anxious about my surgery coming up in three weeks..my anxiety is much less now. Thank you for an excellent step by step video!

[@gerrimcfadden1825]

I am having this surgery in a couple of months, thank you so much for this explanation. You make it clear and simple for people to understand. Greatly appreciated.

[@NiccBlacc-NCBC]

How are you post op?

[@zakasatrian2426]

Thank you - I found this very informative - I had C4/C5/C6 done last Friday and looking for to resuming normal activity and strenuous activity for example playing golf and the splitting wood - it looks like it's going to be a while before I can do that

[@eolonizzi7220]

Thank you Dr. Very good information, I’m going in for a C 5-6 on 8/4/23

[@NYCTalkingcom]

Wow, I've watched dozens of videos and this is by far the most clear and informative one. Great job!

[@jamesspisak7896]

By far the most informative video I've seen on the subject , very well explained in plain english and easy to follow. Everyone should see this before going through the surgery and recovery process! Thanks for taking the time to make this.

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

Thank you, James, for the kind words.

[@paulas2218]

Thank you for a very informative video. I just had an ACDF.

[@Lilliladie84]

I’m having this surgery in a week, 10-7-22. I have really bad anxiety and you’ve helped that tremendously. I’m having C4-5, C5-6, and C6-7, hopefully everything goes without any complications. Thank you so much for taking the time to put this video out there.

[@antonyshadowbanned]

Best of luck!!!! I had it 5 months ago at the same three (C4-5,C5-6,C5-7) disks. If you can find & afford good physiotherapy it may help a lot : )

[@traceyschwerin4486]

I just had the exact surgery 5 days ago! Recovery hasn't been too bad!

[@Seren2010kinder]

Hope all goes well

[@Lilliladie84]

I had mine 2 days early and got to come home today. Not too bad.

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

Hope it went well!

[@donnapetersen2100]

Having this done soon. Nervous but your video and explanation really helped

[@dionb6147]

I'm having this done in March 2022, you made me feel much better about the outcome.

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

Good luck, Dion!

[@user-wn2zw7wd2d]

Having this done in 3 days; c5-t1. Been very nervous and scared as I'm still very young with a job working with unpredictable disabled children. This video was very informative. Just one note is my surgeon will be doing a bone graft in between the vertebraes. In this video of yours I'm assuming you don't do this in your surgeries. If you do bone grafts on any of your fusions it would be even more informative as to showing the process of how the bone graft works. Thanks for taking time to make this video!!

[@mahdiyehrezaei2043]

It is rlly helpful thanks I will go under acdf too

[@miguelmorejon261]

I am so glad I saw this video. It is the most comprehensible video I've seen on the subject. Feeling much more confident with the 3 level ACDF surgery I'm having just days away. Thank you Dr. Armaghani for this video

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

Good luck, Miguel!

[@miguelmorejon261]

Thanks Dr Armaghany I had the C4-C7 surgery yesterday and haven’t experienced any intolerable pain. But I had the surgery done for severe right arm weakness and muscle atrophy. Is it normal for it to be worse after surgery? They said C5 was severely compressed so this could take time to resolve.

[@hbrooks43]

Awesome informative video Dr. Armaghani I’m having level 3 ACDF surgery 3/1/22 and was concerned about my procedure, it has been a very long time coming with so much pain for years I feel very confident that all will be well, thank you very much Dr. Armaghani.

[@patriciaalridge8618]

Very interesting,I was able to understand and get a better idea,thank you Doc, blessings

[@traygoodie]

Thanks for the info! It was very thorough and easy to follow. I had a horseback riding accident at 19 and now at 43 I'm looking at ACDF of C3-7 😬 I'm pretty confident that this procedure is my best bet. (I've done everything else already, eg. PT, injections, disc replacement, medications, massage, Thoracic Outlet 1st rib removal, etc.).

[@fritootr]

How are you doing now?

[@traygoodie]

@@fritootr I'm 7 months post-op. I had ACDF of C5-6-7. It actually went really well! Took a good 6 weeks to feel somewhat normal but it was my 2nd surgery in the same area so swelling was a huge factor. But I'm 100% glad I did it. Because of my previous injury, the degeneration is progressing into my upper Cspine area. So will be dealing with that throughout my life. But glad I got the ACDF!

[@fritootr]

@@traygoodie Thank you for response, glad you are feeling better. I was told I needed a ACDF C6-T1, looking for a couple of opinions before getting this done.

[@traygoodie]

@@fritootr it's definitely a big decision. I ended up going with my 3rd opinion. I shopped around for surgeons. I chose a neurosurgeon. Good luck! Let me know if you have any more questions!

[@GreenLantern8754]

An informative and clear presentation.Thank you very much.

[@zolbabo]

Excellent explanation of the procedure

[@thomastimmons9816]

I"m getting ready to have multilevel decompression =/- stabilization c4-t1 done within the next month, and it was good to see how this is done

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

Glad this could help!

[@scully836]

Very good video! I feel much better about going into surgery. I would love to see some imagery and discussion about multiple levels like c3-c6 or so. Thanks again!

[@gary86190]

Great Video! I just had C6 removed and fusion implant (iliac crest bone graft ) also part of C5 and C7 removed due to calcification 3 days ago, I'm home now the pain is very intense. Bone graft was done on my left side and incision on the right side of my neck. Trying to sit or lie is a challenge.

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

hang in there! the first few weeks are the worst

[@deborahkee-urbanek369]

Best video and explaination of what is happening and why this surgery needs to be done.

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

Thank you, Deborah!

[@scubasteve6730421]

I have this procedure scheduled for Monday Feb 19th. This video was amazing and made me so much better about the surgery. I think I'm more worried about the post OP then the actual surgery. I'm also a singer so I worry about how my voice will be afterwards.

[@RichardMolinski]

Excellent presentation

[@keshea215]

My mom was just diagnosed and scheduled for surgery Monday. This has been the best set of videos on this topic and has helped us tremendously. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise in this area. You are appreciated. Bless you.

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

Thank you, Keshea. I hope your mother did well with her surgery and wishing her the best!

[@keshea215]

@@ArmaghaniSpine thank you! Her surgery went very well. However, she is not complying with PT. This is a concern. What could be the results is she does not do PT? Could this reoccur?

[@jamesdelkou]

Very good presentation awesome

[@jamesdelkou]

This presentation helps alleviates a lot of my fears :How does the surgery take to complete given that all everything is going as planned without complications?

[@kattari9573]

This video was exceptionally great, i am about to have one done and feel super confident to contact your office to schedule this procedure.

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

Best of luck!

[@billieburns8471]

I have watched this video MANY times. You present information clearly but I would like more info on post op difficulties, like arm and should pain. Thank you.

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

Thank you for your support. Post-op difficulties are rare. The more arm pain you have relative the neck pain, the better the result is on average. The average patient will usually get a minimum of 65% relief in their arm symptoms but many can get much more but we do not know how much permanent nerve damage the nerve has had from being compressed for so long. How you feel at 1 year will be how you feel long term. If you feel about 90% better in the arm that means you probably had about 10% permanent nerve damage from before surgery. Neck pain is much more unpredictable in getting relief. So much so that I rarely, if ever, offer surgery to someone with exclusively neck pain.

[@believeinyourself7511]

I am having this surgery August 26, 2021! Thank you so much for taking the time to explain what is happening to me. I have been in extreme pain for a year now.

[@natalia6381]

yes, me too. One year, and I will be having this surgery soon too. How are you feeling? what are your symptoms?

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

Good luck to you! You'll do great!

[@believeinyourself7511]

@@natalia6381 I have really bad headaches stemming from my neck muscles and nerves. A lot of tightness. Numbness in my hands, arms and painful shoulders. Where are you having your surgery?

[@believeinyourself7511]

@@ArmaghaniSpine Thank you so much.

[@natalia6381]

@@believeinyourself7511 I will be having mine in Poland. I am really scared of this surgery,

[@D52M5]

Hey Doc, great video! Very informative and clear. I’m day 1 recovery of ACDF C6-7 and doing well. Just some shoulder pain. I didn’t watch any YT videos prior to surgery just to not scare myself from doing it, but if I came across your video I know I would have been reassured that I’d be fine. Thanks.

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

Best of luck! Glad you are doing well. It's a great surgery.

[@plasmichoneytrip]

A very clear description on ACDF. Thank you!

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

Thank you!

[@giwant2003i]

Getting ready to go for this surgery November 16th 2022 C6,C7 possibly C5. Numb fingers and thumb, loss of strength in left hand

[@KirtanLalabhai]

Brilliantly explained, I am one month into post op, had C3-6. I am recovering well. Discomfort of neck tightness. Sharp pains from within my cut side. My, question would be how long to wear a Cervical collar, do I sleep with it and fir how long ( weeks/months)? I like to get an outside opinion. I had my surgery done in India, i am from Ximbabwe. Thank you.

[@Lord_Don]

Nice comprehensive information ty sooooo much

[@leeeps555]

This video was so informative, thank you so much! Literally had my surgery 18 hrs ago and wanted a somewhat timeline of pain as I can’t sleep at the moment from feeling so stiff! This explained that so so well!

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

Good luck in your recovery!

[@bagofnothing]

Hi Leah. How is your recovery? Have you noticed any limited range of motion with your neck? My surgery is 18 days away and I'm doing as much research to prepare myself.

[@leeeps555]

@@bagofnothing make sure to follow your recovery instructions! I suggest getting a wedge pillow! And taking meds on a timed schedule, took about 5 full weeks to get range of motion back, but feel a lot better now!

[@kajungurl52]

I’m 3 weeks out in recovery from having the ACDF surgery for C4-C7. I wish I watched this video before my surgery. This has been very informative and answers some of my questions without bothering my DR. The worst parts of the recovery have been my throat swells and the base of the neck and upper back hurt like a SOB. It’s gotten a little better over the past few weeks but man it hurts.

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

Swallowing difficulty is very common following ACDF especially 3 level surgery like you had. Good news is that studies show for the vast majority of patients, the pain and difficulty swallowing resolves after about 4-6 weeks

[@samarelbanna7318]

Could U please tell me about the driving car , work,daily activity??? After along time what is the possible complications??

[@kajungurl52]

@@samarelbanna7318 I ended up with a setback as my C6 vertebrae was fractured and crushed that same time I posted an update. I’ve since had another surgery to repair the damage and can’t drive for a few weeks and No heavy lifting for awhile.

[@kajungurl52]

@@ArmaghaniSpine thank you for replying. I did have bad dysphasia for about 5 weeks and after going to a massage therapist who specializes in lymph drainage, she helped with scar tissue adhesions and the fluid in my neck. Unfortunately I ended up with another surgery last week because the disc the 1st Dr used were too heavy and it crushed and crumbled my C6 vertebrae

[@kensilverstein2910]

oh wow, what can you take for this hopefully temporary pain. I usually just take gummies these days at 68 years old

[@deborahgourley7515]

Best video. Thank you had my surgery one week ago.

[@shashwatparida8596]

So what all things had the doc informed you and btw happy post surgical life Just 3 months max and you can see that old deborah back in action🤟🏼🙂

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

congrats hope you are doing well

[@Ventures702]

Thank you for this video. Very easy to understand.

[@fatblokes_ferguson]

Thank you for this video, I had cervical surgery ACDF on levels c3/c4 & c4/c5. After this procedure i was suffering pain as one might imagine, I have had spinal problems since 2013 and had a previous ACDF on level c5/c6. Because of my long standing pain history I have been on many opioids and was given ketamine after this latest procedure because of my tolerance to meds, I complained of head aches and arm aches plus blurred vision post op both a new symptom. They removed the ketamine because they thought this was to be the cause, A neurologist gave me a very brief examination and said I had a stroke during my surgery. I had many different doctors including my spinal team and I heard the phrase Horners. After 2 ct & 2 mri scans with each having a contrast on 1 scan. I was then told I have horners syndrome which I have never heard of, I’m still suffering from eye issues but the strangest thing is non sweating on the affected side. They think the cause was pressure from the tool which opened my neck, I had a cage fitted in the procedure.

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

Horner syndrome can cause the non sweating and eye issues. it's a rare complication from anterior cervical spinal surgery. unsure of any newer treatments though.

[@fatblokes_ferguson]

@@ArmaghaniSpine thank you for your comment, it was a lots of testing to get the diagnosis but as you say, as yet I have had nothing to help with the symptoms.

[@josephhidalgo3411]

As a candidate for this surgery, I have recently read and listen to a lot of spinal fusion experts/neurologist talk about how implants are not bone friendly compared to allograft and of course, autograft. With many recent studies discussing the high rate of nonunion of cages in ACDF, why do surgeons continue to use them if other methods are available, especially given the steep consequences.

[@jgciprianoxoj]

Good question. I hope it addressed

[@Manadoob]

Having this surgery in April. First surgeon I spoke with said no collar. The second opinion surgeon who I actually felt more connection with said collar for 3 months. I am having the anterior. I am freaking out I can't imagine a collar for 3 months. I can go elsewhere but honestly he has the highest ratings than any other I have found. What is different from the person doesn't wear the collar regarding how they move, etc.

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

this has been studied in thousands of patients and there has been no proven link to better fusion rates for ACDF with or without a collar. I usually take it on a case by case basis. If a patient has weak bone and I am doing multiple levels, I may give a collar in that situation. But a 1 level fusion in a younger patient with excellent bone? never gets a collar from me. Posterior cervical fusions are different scenarios though.

[@hansvandalsum339]

Thank you very much for your very clear explanation especially post operative. I was a bit insecure now 4 weeks after my acdf 5/6/7 as i experience bad days and good days together with tingling and numbness and then some days feel great without pain or anything. You describe exactly the way it is for me which giVes me ease of heart! Good work doctor!❤️

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

Thank you, Hans. It's a marathon - not a sprint - regarding your recovery. Give it time and let your nerves re make the connections with your spinal cord and brain which takes some time. Ride the bumps in the road during your recovery and you'll come out on the other side great!

[@Orthopaedic_Surgeon001]

Sir kindly explained the surgical steps to reach up to the vertebral body also.. that would be wonderful

[@Nihilist1974]

C3 - C7 coming in two weeks for this guy. Great video!

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

Good luck!

[@AngusMcToon]

Excellent exposition, thank you.

[@elainepage6929]

Thank you so much! Very informative, and I feel much more comfortable for my upcoming 3 disc ACDF

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

Glad it was helpful!

[@veewicky4965]

Elaine, how was your surgery? Would you please share your experience…. Thanks

[@pamelabarker1575]

@@veewicky4965 I’m not Elaine but I had surgery yesterday. Leaving the hospital today. I walked with a gait and now it’s gone. And some of my numbness is gone. Overall, I’m happy I had the surgery and it’s only been less than 24 hours. Looking forward to most if not all of the numbness to go away.

[@betseysarris8927]

Excellent excellent video! Thanks so much for posting it. I'm having 2 levels done in April 2022 and your explanation including diagrams help a great deal!

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

Best of luck!

[@futureclean]

Which two levels ?

[@betseysarris8927]

@@ArmaghaniSpine Thank you!😊👍🏼

[@betseysarris8927]

@@futureclean 5-6, 6-7. Have u had the procedure?

[@futureclean]

@@betseysarris8927 no however I’m suppose to be doing c5-6, possible c6-7, c7-T1 … I’m 44 I just want the surgeon to do all of them. I don’t want to go thru another acdf. I rather he do all three levels & so I can get it over with…

[@zulianazulkifleechand1412]

T.HA.N.K Y.O.U - This definitely will help to better prepare me mentally, emotionally and physically for the upcoming surgery in December. Its gonna be two levels of ACDF of C5-C6 and C6-C7. Thanks a million Dr.

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

Good luck!

[@medtechnick]

I'm loving your videos. How did you learn these techniques in your earlier years as a student. I'm trying to find a good way to break the material down so that I can learn the technique completely without prompt.

[@melanija85]

Hi, I had C6/7 surgery 3 weeks ago, didn't watch any videos, now in searching for answers this is the best one and the best explanation. Thank you. About Fusion - Does this mean that the two vertebrae become one big bone or is there only a small bone that connects them instead of disc? How it affects the mobility of the neck after 1 year? Can I go on waterslides, Yoga exercises stand on your head, bungee jumping and similar to requiring sudden movements?

[@NiccBlacc-NCBC]

How are you recovering

[@shalogan7187]

Thank you I have to have this in a few days. I had a fall and I woke up 2 weeks ago with numbness tinging weakness in my hands and arms first then legs causing me to fall. After several blood work tests, X-rays, ct scans, and mris , the nerve in my neck is severely pinched, and I must have this because I can barely move. I’ve been looking for videos to give me a better understanding because the Dr is a whole nother story. I’m 51 and my anxiety and panic has made this experience extra difficult but thank you

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

hang in there!

[@LifeofMiyNmom]

Hey there I wanted to ask how are you doing now?

[@Rodhouseview]

​@@LifeofMiyNmom💯

[@pingma6226]

Thank you. I wish my surgeon had explained to me this after the surgery

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

Thank you, Ping. That's why I made these videos. To help my own patients and others understand very technical parts of the surgeries we perform.

[@jackpotwinner1260]

It’s a horrible surgery I had 3 done. Yes the nerve pain I suffered for 4 years was gone in an instant. I would never tell anyone to get it unless it’s really necessary. I’m still going through physical therapy. I was laid up for two weeks straight not a smoker but couldn’t eat or drink for two weeks almost 3. I’m 8 weeks out still some clicking and little aches if I stretch or push my neck I workout a lot so do yoga and lift weights and I’m 60 so I expect a little pain but it’s zero compared to the nerve pain I was in that was getting worse. Very good video was so afraid to watch before my surgery I knew I had no other choice so just wanted it over with. I’m so glad I did it now I’m just praying it holds and heals a bit scary driving but I’m getting there.

[@ArmaghaniSpine]

The recovery is a marathon, not a sprint. I appreciate you sharing your recovery especially early on. Good luck and hang in there!