Bouncing back from neck surgery
requires the individualized care of a physical therapist
Neck pain is the third most common cause of chronic pain in the country, placing only behind back pain and headaches in this ranking. Figures vary, but it’s been reported that up to 50% of the population will experience an episode of neck pain each year, and up to 70% will encounter it at some point in their lifetime.
Most cases of neck pain are due to strains and sprains of the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that support the bones of the spine and keep our heads upright. Some of the most common causes of neck pain include sleeping on your neck wrong, sitting or standing for prolonged periods with bad posture—especially from leaning over too much—spending too much time performing repetitive movements, and regularly carrying a heavy backpack, purse, or briefcase. Neck pain can also develop from conditions like osteoarthritis, a herniated disc or spinal stenosis, or from sudden injuries that may cause whiplash or other problems in the neck.
When neck pain does occur, most experts strongly recommend seeking out conservative (non-surgical) treatments like physical therapy, which is intended to safely alleviate painful symptoms and improve functional abilities. Physical therapy will lead to notable improvements in the majority of patients with neck pain, but not everyone responds to treatment to an adequate degree. For these individuals and anyone with neck instability, a pinched nerve in the neck that’s getting worse, compression on the spinal cord, and other more serious issues, surgery may become necessary. In these rare cases, discectomy, fusion, and cervical disc replacement are some of the most common procedures that will be performed.
Physical therapy steps in after surgery to help patients regain their abilities
Surgery has the potential to help patients improve significantly, but positive outcomes are only possible if the patient also completes a structured physical therapy program. Physical therapists work with patients as early as the day after surgery to begin regaining their strength, flexibility, and other abilities, setting these individuals on a path to a full recovery. Your personalized treatment program will depend on the type of surgery performed and your individual goals, but some or all of the following elements are likely to be included:
- Stretching exercises: your therapist will slowly help you regain your flexibility and range of motion through gentle exercises that will gradually increase in intensity
- Strengthening exercises: one of the primary ways to avoid future neck pain is by building back the strength of neck muscles that may have been lost through injury and surgery
- Manual therapy: once the incision wounds have healed, your therapist will begin performing a series of hands-on techniques such as massage, mobilization, and manipulation to increase mobility levels and alleviate any lingering symptoms
- Functional education and training: your therapist will also teach you the best ways to move your body in tasks that involve the neck—like lifting objects—which will help you to move more efficiently and avoid future neck pain
Neck surgery is only needed in rare circumstances when conservative methods have failed or the patient is at risk for more serious complications, but in the event that it is needed, physical therapy will play a crucial role in the rehabilitation process. So if you have neck pain and are either looking for an effective treatment or considering surgery, we can help. Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment.
