One Week After ACDF Surgery (C5–C7)

Week One Recovery Update

It’s officially been a week since my neck fusion surgery, and while I'm still healing, I can finally say things are slowly improving. It’s not linear, but each day feels just a little more manageable than the last.

Rest, Routines & Recliner Life

Most of my day is still spent in my recliner, which has become my recovery basecamp. I try to get up every hour or so to walk around the house, it helps loosen things up and keeps the stiffness at bay.

Sleep was rough the first couple nights. Getting rest was tough as the pain just wouldn’t let me settle. But now, with pain meds helping a bit more, I’ve been able to finally sleep longer, and that morning energy boost is real.

Gentle Movement & PT Exercises

Along with walking, I’ve started doing a couple gentle exercises recommended by the physical therapist at the hospital. Just a few times a day, I do:

• Shoulder rolls (slow circular motions)

• Shoulder shrugs, slowly raising both shoulders up and down, about 10 reps per set

I do this a few times a day. It’s light, but it helps with circulation, and stiffness.

Swallowing, Nerve Pain & Evening Discomfort

Swallowing is still tricky, especially by evening. I’m sticking with a soft diet, tiny bites, and lots of fluids. Mornings are definitely easier, there’s less pressure at the front of my neck when I wake up. But as the day goes on, that tight squeezing sensation starts to intensify. By dinnertime, it can feel almost like I’m suffocating or being compressed..

Talking too much also brings back that weird squeezing feeling in my throat area. It’s annoying and makes me really careful with how much I speak, especially in the afternoons.

In the evenings, I’ve also started to notice some nerve pain that runs down both arms, more on the left. When I stand or sit without back and neck support, I also get this burning, radiating pain around the back of my neck and shoulder blades, right in the scapula region.

From what I’ve read, this kind of nerve pain after ACDF is common, especially in the early stages of healing. It’s often caused by nerve irritation or inflammation around the surgical site and while it’s uncomfortable, it’s usually temporary. Nerve healing takes time, so these sensations should gradually fade as the spine and nerves settle.

And here’s a little reminder I’m glad I followed: I’ve been keeping up with a stool softener like Colace to help prevent constipation from the pain meds. On days 3 and 4, I also added Mag07 for a little extra help when things felt backed up. With everything else going on, the last thing you want is that added discomfort.

As always, check with your provider before adding any new meds or supplements to your recovery routine.

Comfort Hacks That Help

I’m still using my Microbead Bolster Pillows one under each arm when I sit in the recliner. It helps keep my arms supported and takes pressure off my shoulders and neck. I also use them while sleeping, alongside my body pillow, to help keep my arms in a neutral, comfortable position and reduce tension overnight.

I rotate ice packs on my shoulders and the incision area throughout the day. If you don’t have an ice pack handy, here’s a little trick I used:

💡 Ice Pack Tip:
Grab a soft glove, fill it with a few ice cubes (crushed if you can), tie it up securely so it doesn’t leak, and place it gently over the incision area. Use a thin cotton cloth as a barrier between the glove and your skin to avoid direct cold contact. It’s a quick fix and super effective for gentle, targeted relief.

Final Thoughts (For Now)

Recovery at one week is still raw, but I’m finding moments of progress and that’s what I’m holding on to. Every day won’t be easy, but every day gets me closer to healing.

If you’re in your first week post-op too, just know this: you’re not alone. Go slow. Listen to your body. Celebrate small wins (like finally getting a full night of sleep), and don’t be afraid to get creative with comfort.

Recovery Tip:

Want to know what actually helped? Check out my favorite Post-Surgery Must-Haves, real things that made recovery a little easier (and a lot more comfortable).