I have been surprised as I though the neck fusion would reduce my ability to move my neck & it hasn't done that at all. I have to admit that there are times in the humidity of Kentucky that I end up with a very sore neck & need a good hot shower to lessen the pain & sometimes it even crunches a bit, but I am still able to ride my horses & do everything I could before the surgery. Maybe as I get much older, I will see the stiffness setting in more.....time will tell.

I know that good physical therapy after the surgery is of most importance in making sure no scar tissue builds up & movement continues.......just to keep that in mind. I had 6 months of physical therapy after my knee reconstruction & was skiing again within 6 months. I see now over 20 years later, that I do need to continue strengthing exercises as the knee is starting to have problems again when I haven't been exercising to keep up the strength in the muscles.

Make sure you take the physical therapy seriously after your surgery.....it will help with the success of the surgery in the future.

Debbie