Neck surgery can provide long-lasting relief from pain. When recovery requires taking an extended break from work, however, it’s important to plan. NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute provides neck procedures at locations near you in New Jersey, Florida, and Pennsylvania. Here, we discuss what to expect regarding a return to work after neck surgery, including typical timelines and other important information.
Key Takeaways
- The return-to-work timeline depends on the type of neck surgery, the patient’s health, and the person’s job responsibilities and commute.
- The patient’s surgeon will walk them through a gradual return to full responsibilities as their surgery heals and their pain improves.
- It’s important to keep your employer informed about your limitations and expected time of return.
What Affects Your Return-To-Work Timeline?
While every patient will need to recover from surgery before returning to work, the timeline varies widely between individuals. How soon working becomes possible depends on several factors related to their health, lifestyle, and the type of treatment they receive. They include:
Type of Neck Surgery
The first major factor for recovery time is the type of surgery performed. Certain procedures, such as a cervical endoscopic rhizotomy or cervical microdiscectomy, cause comparatively little surgical trauma. The body recovers quickly. Complex surgeries like cervical spine reconstruction surgery or cervical spinal fusion, meanwhile, take longer to heal. If multiple levels of the spine need treatment, then the patient will need longer to recover than someone who requires less intensive care.
Overall Health
The second factor is the patient’s overall health. Younger patients with strong immune systems will generally recover more quickly than older individuals, whose healing factor is beginning to slow down, and those with weakened immune systems. Other health conditions may also interfere with healing. If the body is already spending its resources to combat illness or recover from a different condition or treatment, then it has less to devote toward healing after neck surgery.
Job Demands
Job type is also an important consideration. While even sedentary desk jobs require some recovery, the patient is safe to go back to work as soon as they can hold their head upright for extended periods without pain. Manual labor jobs, however, put much more stress on the spine. If the patient’s work requires strenuous physical activity, especially heavy lifting, then they should wait until their neck has fully stabilized before attempting to resume normal responsibilities.
Commute
Finally, patients and physicians must consider the commute. Driving or using public transportation requires holding the head upright for extended periods without using neck support. If the patient starts commuting too early, even for a desk job, they may experience pain and delays in their recovery. Options to work remotely can greatly decrease the strain placed on the neck. If available, this may let patients start working sooner.
Sample Return-To-Work Timeline
Returning to work after surgery does not happen all at once. Most patients gradually ease back into their responsibilities as their health improves. Here is a sample of what return-to-work might look like:
- Initial recovery: Patients can expect a few days or weeks off work to recover at home.
- Early phase: When patients first return to work, they should request limited hours. They may also modify duties to exclude strenuous activities.
- Middle phase: As the patient recovers and their pain improves, they can gradually increase their hours and take on more intensive responsibilities.
- Full return: Patients can return to their full normal responsibilities once cleared by the surgeon.
The patient’s surgeon, primary care provider, and physical therapist will monitor their recovery with follow-up and telehealth appointments, walking them through every step in the process. If the patient has any concerns or if they feel that they can return to work sooner, they should discuss it with their surgeon. The doctor will help them make the best decision for their health.
Paperwork and Communication
At every stage leading up to, during, and after surgery, it is important to keep employers in the loop. Disability and Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) forms are crucial to ensure that patients receive the accommodations they need. Patients should communicate clearly about what employers can expect. They should not hesitate to request time off or timeline adjustments if necessary to ensure a successful recovery.
Learn More About Returning to Work After Neck Surgery
Taking proper care during recovery is essential to get the maximum benefit after your surgery. Transform your life with a touch of care at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute. Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment at one of our New Jersey, Florida, and Pennsylvania locations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Neck Surgery
How soon can I go back to a desk job after neck surgery?
Most patients can go back to desk jobs within two to six weeks after neck surgery.
When can I return to heavy lifting or overhead work?
You can return to heavy lifting six to 12 weeks after neck surgery.
What if my job cannot offer light duty or modified work?
If your job cannot offer light or modified work, then it is required to provide up to 12 weeks of job-protected leave for medical reasons.