Recovery/down time post acdf c6/c7? what is the post op recovery like?

Depends on how : Surgery is done- bone graft from your own hip region known as an iliac graft and whether any plate or instrumentation is used. However, for most it is less than a 24 hour stay in hospital with average healing time in a nonsmoker of about 12 weeks with restrictions/activities guided by need for a brace or not as well as use of medication that may affect you so discuss this fully with your surgeon.

Acdf: Every surgeon has a different Postop protocol. I usually allow my patients to do all normal gentle activity immediately after surgery. I restrict any heavy bending lifting or twisting for six weeks though. Most patients are off of the narcotic pain medication by about two weeks after surgery.