c5/c6 fusion

[saxton]

I have been told that i need c5/c6 fusion surgery and only found out this week. i am a keen footballer and also like running and lots of active avtivities. I am 28 years old and just wanted to know if anyone had recovered to do active sports again? I am seeing the surgeon monday but cant help thinking about what i am going to be able to do after my recovery. i understand that everyone is different  but am just after a little more information on how peoples recover.

[kay290]

My first opinion told me I should never do anymore patient lifting or risk injuring my neck with or without surgery. My surgeon never told me any of this. I would have to side with the first opinion for several reasons. I had ACDF surgery in Oct. Any fusion surgery puts pressure on the discs above and below the site and there is a 20% chance of needing surgery in the future on those discs due to degeneration. Degeneration naturally occurs from wear and tear and poor neck posture. I have read cases of people messing up their fusion from injury etc... All in all, I would say that you should cut back on certain activities or high risk stuff that you were doing before. I certainly am and have given up skiing, painting ceilings, heavy lifting etc. Let me know what the surgeon says.

[saxton]

Anybody?