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Suggest Muscle Strengthening Exercises Post Neck Surgery

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Posted on Fri, 23 Sep 2016
Question: I was in a MVA in April of 1980, I was 20 years old and very healthy at the time. I sustained a unstable C-2 fracture (hangman's fracture as I was advised at the time). I had a cervical bone fusion 1.5 months later where a bone graft was taken from my right hip and used to help fuse my neck. I wore a halo-device prior to and after surgery. I was neurologically intact the whole time with no deficits. However I have had some obviously limited mobility due to the fusion. I have been in mild pain most for my years since the surgery and its gotten to the point I would like relief I used to be use to it but now It feels a little debilitating. I never received any physical therapy nor shown proper exercises beyond surgery to strengthen my neck. I'm a police officer retired and now back working in police work and I don't want this to become a disability so to speak.
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (51 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Yes, physical therapy is necessary.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

You are right about physical therapy, at this point, it is the right thing to do.

Muscles strengthening exercises should be tailored to your condition regarding to cervical spine mobility and should be continued possibly every day.

About physical therapy, traction exercises are necessary to relieve the pain.

You can use painkillers too for few weeks (PARACETAMOL, TRAMADOL etc)

Please discuss with your primary care Doctor about these issues.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Greetings.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4493 Questions

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Suggest Muscle Strengthening Exercises Post Neck Surgery

Brief Answer: Yes, physical therapy is necessary. Detailed Answer: Hello and thanks for using HCM. I have read your question and understand your concerns. You are right about physical therapy, at this point, it is the right thing to do. Muscles strengthening exercises should be tailored to your condition regarding to cervical spine mobility and should be continued possibly every day. About physical therapy, traction exercises are necessary to relieve the pain. You can use painkillers too for few weeks (PARACETAMOL, TRAMADOL etc) Please discuss with your primary care Doctor about these issues. Hope you found the answer helpful. Let me know if I can assist you further. Greetings.