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Hi About 4 Weeks Ago I Had A 3 Level
Question: Hi about 4 weeks ago I had a 3 level acdf (c4-7) I am still in the a lot of discomfort namely trouble swallowing and pain between the shoulder blades. I was also told to wear the hard cervical collar at all times. I have to be honest I find myself just wearing the soft because I find the hard collar extremely uncomfortable. What are the long term ramifications on outcome of the fusion if I don't wear the hard the hard collar? Thank you for your time.
Brief Answer:
You should be fine with a soft collar.
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for getting back.
I have noted your clinical details. I agree that at this stage, hard cervical collar is not mandatory. Soft cervical collar would also serve the purpose. The whole idea of a cervical collar is to prevent any sudden or excessive neck movement. If you are cautious on your own to avoid any jerky or sudden neck movement, soft cervical collar would also serve the purpose. Some situations where sudden neck movements can occur are- while driving on road sudden brakes are applied, or if there is an elevated speed breaker on roads; turning back when someone calls from behind, etc.
So, we expect good outcomes with a soft cervical collar too.
Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Click on this link to ask me a DIRECT QUERY: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar
My BLOG: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.in
You should be fine with a soft collar.
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for getting back.
I have noted your clinical details. I agree that at this stage, hard cervical collar is not mandatory. Soft cervical collar would also serve the purpose. The whole idea of a cervical collar is to prevent any sudden or excessive neck movement. If you are cautious on your own to avoid any jerky or sudden neck movement, soft cervical collar would also serve the purpose. Some situations where sudden neck movements can occur are- while driving on road sudden brakes are applied, or if there is an elevated speed breaker on roads; turning back when someone calls from behind, etc.
So, we expect good outcomes with a soft cervical collar too.
Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Click on this link to ask me a DIRECT QUERY: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar
My BLOG: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.in
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
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