Q. My surgeon has suggested that I need a fusion between the C5 and C6 vertebrae in my neck. How will I be able to turn my neck after it is fused?

A. Your ability to turn your head takes place mainly between the two joints at the top of your cervical spine. When you turn your head, about 50% of the movement happens between the first and second levels (between C1 and C2). The other 50% takes place between all the other neck vertebrae combined. So a fusion of one level in the lower part of your neck will not drastically affect your ability to turn your neck, probably less than 10%.