How Depression Can Hinder Recovery After Neck Surgery

Depression is common in people with neck problems caused by wear and tear. It can make recovery harder after surgery. This is especially true for a common neck operation called anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Before COVID-19, studies looked at how depression affects pain and hospital stays. But now, with more people feeling depressed, it's important to see how it affects overall recovery. Depression can slow down healing. It can also make it harder to bounce back and enjoy life after surgery. The pandemic has made depression more common. So, it's crucial to understand how it affects neck surgery outcomes. Most studies before COVID-19 focused on specific issues like pain or how long patients stayed in the hospital. But depression affects more than just pain. It can impact how well someone can function and their overall quality of life. This is why a broader look at depression's role in neck surgery recovery is needed. People with depression might need more care and support after surgery. Understanding this can help doctors improve treatment plans. It can also help patients prepare for their recovery journey.