Recovery time

[Cherie762]

If I have a herniated ( at C7)  nerve root place back into position what type as far as length of recover would you imagine it would take?

[kittyluv1]

The return to school would be based on the type of procedure done and what temporary restrictions the doctor orders.   Having someone drive you to campus is a good idea.
It really depends on how you feel following surgery and recuperation from anesthesia,

When is your appt with the neurosurgeon?  Once you have a definite procedure identified, it will be a bit easier to provide a more comprehensive answer.

[Cherie762]

there is no spinal cord compression, if someone drove me how soon would you guess I could go back to school? I know its like Im asking you to gaze into a crystal ball, just a ball park figure,

[kittyluv1]

Keep thinking positively until you get further information from the neurosurgeon.
As someone with significant DDD of the cervical spine and recovering from a cervical fusion C4-C7, I can definitely relate to your concerns.
Here is a little anatomy:  The vertebrae are the large bones of the spine and they are separated by the intervertebral discs (act as cushions between the vertebrae and help with movement).  If the intervertebral discs become dry and brittle (lose water content) as they degenerate, the space between the discs becomes shorter (loss of disc height) and the intervertebral disc can herniate and extrude disc material (nucleus) through its outer protective covering (annulus).
The extruded material can cause narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal and also of the neural foramen (opening through which the spinal nerve roots travel).  So actually the nerve root itself is not dislocated but is irritated and possibly compressed by the disc herniation.
Since you do have multi-layer involvement, surgical intervention MIGHT indicate the need for a fusion.  This can only be determined by the neurosurgeon on review of your MRI and your symptoms.  The neurosurgeon will  be able to show you the findings on your MRI and how they are correlated to your symptoms.
While permanent nerve damage and/or paralysis are a risk related to prolonged nerve compression, it is not a major concern if your MRI does not show involvement of the spinal canal and spinal cord.  Compression of the spinal nerve root could result in damage to the nerve tissue, but it is the effect on the spinal cord that would lead to any partial paralysis (more depending on how high the spinal cord is damaged)
Until you know the exact procedure being recommended to treat your condition, it would be difficult to determine the recovery period.  Once you have some more concrete info from the neurosurgeon, we can explore the options in more detail.
My fusion procedure required short hospitalization and about 6-7 weeks recovery before being able to drive.  That might negate the ability to return to school within a 2 day postop recovery.  It is important to maintain any restrictions given by the surgeon to reduce the risk of complications.
Keep us posted and we'll help you as much as needed ----

[Cherie762]

IT WOULD BE TO PLACE A HERNIATED NERVE ROOT BACK INTO PLACE, i WILL BE SEEING A NEUROSURGEON.. whhops did not mean to shout sorry, I shoulda said the herniation part before, important bit to leave out,,Yes I had a MRI findings moderate DDD of C3,4, 5, moderateto severe DDD of C6 and C& the space where the nerve root is exposed,,,my sympotoms are pain and numbness tingling alll come and gom the feeling of "sore" stays,

I did PT it made things worse..I am worried about the paralysis risk of the exposed nerve, should it be compressed and permenatly damaged I could be paralysised..so Im not really looking to fix the DDD unless sureon really sells me on a good easy choice but I want that nerve root placed back,

thank you so much.....what I am hoping is I can go back to school( college) 2 days post op...does that sound too soon? I could have someone drive me and pick me up,,,have zero experience with this type of surgery.  

[kittyluv1]

It would depend on the type of procedure being used to correct the problem.
Generally, the nerve root remains in the same location and the pressure or compression of the nerve root is removed and relieves pain symptoms.  The goal is to reduce inflammation and swelling and reduce the irritation of the nerve tissue.
Could you provide further information regarding the procedure/treatment being recommended and what type of doctor you are currently seeing --
If you have any test results (ie MRI) it would be helpful if you post the findings noted on the report to assist in understanding your current problems.
Post with an update and we will try and assist you further.
Best wishes ----