The neck, known anatomically as the cervical spine, consists of 7 cervical vertebrae that connect the base of your skull with the thoracic spine. The spinal cord is housed in the long spinal canal created by the vertebrae and extends down the spine. The spinal cord is made up of a bundle of nerves that arise from the brainstem and leave through channels between the bones of the spine to innervate and carry movement and sensation information between the brain and the rest of the body. In the neck, the spinal nerves supply motor and sensory information to the neck, upper limbs, upper trunk and diaphragm. Between each vertebrae is an intervertebral disc that provides height and cushioning to the spine. Additionally, ligaments run along and between the bones to create spinal stability and shape. Muscles that move and stabilize the neck, move the shoulder blades and arms also are present in this area.

Neck surgeries may target one or several of the anatomical components of the cervical spine. While there are many different types of neck surgeries, some of the more common types of surgeries are as follows:

• Discectomy
• Cervical fusion
• Spinal laminectomy
• Artificial disc replacement
• Disc decompression
• Foraminotomy
• Osteophyte (bone spur) removal

WHY CHOOSE PHYSICAL THERAPY AFTER NECK SURGERY?

Surgeries on the neck are performed to address symptoms like localized or referred pain, numbness and tingling in the extremities, instability in the spine and so forth. While ultimately the surgery should result in healing of the original issue, the surgery itself is viewed as an injury or trauma by the body and the body must recover from that injury. Physical therapists are here to teach you how to protect the surgical area while actively promoting full healing. Working with a physical therapist can improve the rate and completion of healing from neck surgery. It is also common for patients to have had impairments such as muscle weakness, joint stiffness, pain or loss of neuromuscular control or endurance prior to surgery as a result of either inactivity or due to the condition for which surgery was performed. Physical therapy will address these areas to help restore you to your maximal level of function.

If you decide to work with a physical therapist to help with neck rehab issues, your entire treatment plan could consist of around 8-20+ different physical therapy sessions that will each last 60-90 minutes. Once you complete your customized physical therapy treatment plan, you will be able to continue to do the prescribed stretches and exercises utilized during your PT sessions yet in the comfort of your own home.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM PHYSICAL THERAPY AFTER SURGERY?

The exact progression of your recovery will depend on the type of surgery you had, any restrictions dictated by your surgeon in addition to other personal factors. Some surgeries will require a period of immobilization with a neck brace as well as movement restrictions to allow tissues to heal sufficiently before any stress is applied to them. During this time your therapist may have you work on adjacent areas of the body to prevent atrophy in multiple places. Other surgeries will benefit from a more active recovery approach right away. Right after your surgery your physical therapist may use modalities, manual therapy techniques or gentle passive range of motion to address pain and inflammation and to preserve motion. As you progress through your recovery and the surgical site is allowed to undergo more stress, your program will likely include some of the following types of treatment in order to achieve your maximal level of function:

Strengthening: Restoring strength and endurance to the muscles around the neck, upper back, lower back, trunk and arms is an important part of post-surgical rehabilitation. It will reduce the risk of re-injury and help you return to your prior level of function.

Manual therapy: manual therapy techniques like soft tissue mobilization, myofascial release, dry needling, therapeutic massage and joint mobilization may be employed to address the health and function of soft tissues around the neck.

Stretching: Stretching is often needed after a surgery to restore normal joint motion and muscle length but needs to be done carefully to prevent disruption of the healing process.

Neuromuscular Re-education: This type of treatment is used to improve the motor control and coordination of muscles in and around the neck so that the spine and extremities function well during both daily tasks and higher impact activities like athletics.

Sport- or work-specific Tasks: For athletes returning to sport or individuals returning to a labor-intensive job, sport- and work-specific exercises will be incorporated later on in your rehabilitation to prepare the neck for the demands of returning to play and work. This might include things like lifting, pushing, pulling, running, and jumping exercises.

Having any type of surgery can feel daunting but my team of physical therapists and I are here to help make that process as smooth as possible. Call Evolve today to get started on your recovery from neck surgery.