how long do you wear the brace?? - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

leslie lou · 09-02-2006, 03:29 PM

what is the shortests time anyone has wore there brace??? i had acdf on august 28th c5-6 c5-7. what does it depend on?

jayep99 · 09-03-2006, 05:49 AM

I got mine off after 2 weeks and was able to start driving also.

Judy (acdf c5-6, c6-7) June 13

leslie lou · 09-03-2006, 07:46 AM

wow that is a short time, how are you doing now?

jayep99 · 09-03-2006, 05:16 PM

I'm doing real good. I went back to work 6 weeks post op. I still have to take a pain pill daily for leg and hip pain (especially if I've been on my feet all day.

Kissa · 09-03-2006, 07:52 PM

I did not wear one at all and had C4-C7 done. It depends on what theory your doctor subscribes to really. I would say probably half of the doctors today no longer use the brace because it actually weakens the neck muscles and can impede healing.

I for one am glad I did not wear a hard brace! I was scared at first that my neck would be unstable but it was not. I had no problems at all and seemed to have healed up rather quickly.