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You are here: Experts > Science > Neurosciences > Spinal Cord Injury > Neck Injury
Expert: Leslie Hartman
Date: 5/15/2008
Subject: Neck Injury
Question
QUESTION: My boyfriend was in a motorcycle accident a few weeks ago. He suffered a broken wrist and he also fractured vertebrae C5 and C6. Due to the lack of stability of his spine he had to undergo surgery. The doctors said that it was routine to work 1-2 levels above and below the injured vertebrae. How much do you think that the range of motion in his neck will be effected? How long does the recovery process take? Prior to the accident he went to the gym several days a week to lift weights. After recovery will he be able to return to the gym?
ANSWER: hi neicy
so they're fusing that part of his spine? depending on how far above and below they go his neck may have a slight limit to range, but it's not usually too bbad. mine's fused like c4 - t1 i think and i rarely notice the limitation (can't sleep on my stomach, that's about it)
once recovered he should be able to do most anything -recovery varies slightly but he should be stable within a couple months (this question better answered by doctors who know the procedure involved, etc)
sorry that's kind of vague, but i hope it helps some!
good luck to you both
leslie
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks for your response. Yes they fused that portion of his spine. I believe they fused his neck from c3-t1. Hopefully, he will be as fortunate as you and not have a huge limitation in his range of motion. I know he will hate to hear that he wont be able to sleep on his stomach because that is how he sleeps most. I am definitely just hoping and praying for the best outcome possible. I do realize that things could have been a lot worse for him. As of right now he is still wearing a neck brace (which is driving him crazy). Did you have to wear a brace after your surgery? I am not sure how long he will have to wear it because he has not had a follow up appointment yet but will be having one soon.
Answer
hi neicy-
yeah, i slept on my stomach every night of my life, i think, until this. as far as things go, its easier to get used to than alot of other stuff...
if he sleeps on a pillow (like under his chest) he might still figure it out ok
braces- yes, i had a horrible brace that came up under my chin and around then came down and sat on my shoulders, all metal and some foam padding. hated the hell out of it... they first let me take it off to sleep, maybe a month later?
if they fused that much of his spine it must have been pretty 'loose', as they say, so i'm glad the outcome isn't worse
good luck getting through it
L
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