I had ACDF (cervical spine fusion) surgery 5 years ago while vacationing in Alabama. I was told if I didn’t have the surgery, I would definitely become paralyzed from the neck down, but with the surgery, I would have the opportunity to avoid that risk. Of course, as with all surgeries, there was the minor risk of the surgery causing those same results. In my mind, I had no choice but to go ahead with the fusion. I had 4 screws placed in my neck. My surgery was a resounding success! As a follow up to the surgery, I used a bone growth stimulator which creates electro magnetic field to stimulate bone cells to double, increasing bone growth to enable acceleration of the spine fusion.

My PT instruction was to walk, walk, and walk some more. I do walk daily, but also walk in a local, park district warming pool three times weekly. I do believe that I was very fortunate to find an excellent spine surgeon in Alabama while on vacation. I would highly recommend him but he has since retired.

I have two friends who have also had successfully recovered from this exact surgery, but I would be remiss not to mention that I have heard of a local resident who had the surgery and it was quite unsuccessful. You need to examine the risk and reward in your own, personal life. I consider myself very fortunate.

Best of luck and prayers to you.