The goal of this randomized control trial is to collect sufficient preliminary data on the efficacy of sodium chloride, hereafter referred to as "saltwater" or "saline" in reducing the difficulty of swallowing following multi-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) procedures. The study population will consist of generally healthy adults ages 18 - 80. The main question it aims to answer is: If the symptomatology and severity of swallowing difficulties following ACDF surgery can be reduced by gargling with warm salt water. Researchers will compare the control and interventional arms to see if the proposed intervention of gargling with warm salt water improves difficulty swallowing following surgery. Patients in the control arm will be asked to: \- Complete three (3) questionnaires at specified intervals (preoperative, postoperative day (POD) 1, 2, and 7; and at 1-month postoperatively). Patients in the experimental/interventional arm will be asked to: * Complete three (3) questionnaires at specified intervals (preoperative, postoperative day (POD) 1, 2, and 7; and at 1-month postoperatively). * Gargle with a warm saltwater solution once on POD 0, and thrice daily from POD 1 to POD 7.
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Number of Participants with a SWAL-QOL Score of Greater Than 14
Timeframe: 0 - 1 month