Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum.  ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Neurology  (Expert Forum)
 | 
ACDF Permanent Restrictions.
This forum is for questions and support regarding neurology issues such as: Alzheimer's Disease, ALS, Autism, Brain Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Pain, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Headaches, MS, Neuralgia, Neuropathy, Parkinson's Disease, RSD, Sleep Disorders, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury.

ACDF Permanent Restrictions.

by MJT63, Nov 27, 2001 12:00AM
Hello,  I had a 2 level ACDF, donor bone & titanium plate/screws in Aug 2001. (C5-6,6-7)
Everything seems have went well and most pains and numbness have decreased.  As a 38yoa Police Officer can you tell me what effects this type of procedure will have on me permanently ?
I know I will have decreased ROM with my neck.  What types of physical activity (ie. wieght lifting, physical fighting/rough job,sports) can make my injury worse ?  Also, what activity can cause the plate to shift/come loose ?  
Thank you very much for your time.

by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-JT, Nov 28, 2001 12:00AM
Glad you're feeling better. Every surgeon and every patient is different. But the general recommendations from our neurosurgeons here is that you lift nothing heavier than a gallon of milk in the first 4-6 weeks after surgery and take time off from work (unless you insist on returning to a light, restricted desk job.) Followup films of your back are done at the end of 6weeks, and then if everything looks ok you can return to your daily routine including a gradual return to exercise and weight lifting (with common sense of course.)  The things that can possibly compromise your spine include any kind of direct trauma to the spine such as from altercations and sports injuries as you have mentioned, falls (especially for older patients), motor vehicle accidents, and overdoing it at the gym too soon.  But this certainly does not mean you should be overprotective of your spine and by now, you should be able to do what you were doing before your injury if it's ok'ed by your surgeon. You're relatively young, and unless you have any other postsurgery complications or medical illnesses, you should do well. Best of luck, and thank you for all that you do.
Member Comments (2)

by MJT63, Nov 29, 2001 12:00AM
To CCF-Neuro-M.D.-JT

Thank you for your comments.  It's nice to know that my job is appreciated as is yours.  If it was not for a very good NS I'm not sure how my injury/surgery would have turned out.  He and his office staff did more than just "treat a patient".
At a time were stress was at an all time high in my life, they fought for me and got approval for my procedure when workers comp. was slow and dragging there feet.  
So with all my heart....THANK YOU AND DOCTORS LIKE YOU WHO GIVE 100% IN THERE LIFES WORK !
Continue discussion
RSS Expert Activity
Prevention Gains Momentum: Your Gui... 
Nov 29 by Lee Kirksey, MD
What You Don't Know About Breathing...
Nov 24 by Steven Y Park, MD
Thanksgiving
Nov 23 by Thomas Dock, Vet. Technician