My Personal Experience: Physical Therapy After Neck Surgery

Some people may wonder whether or not physical therapy following an Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion is really necessary. My answer is a resounding “yes” to that question. My neurosurgeon recommended that I begin physical therapy approximately 6 weeks following my surgery and I took his advice. I consulted with a referred Pain Management physician as well as a Chiropractor who were both in charge of my continued prescription medications and physical therapy program.

I have to admit, starting any type of physical activity at that point in my recovery was scary. I was still afraid to move my head, arms or upper body very much at all. However, I was told that physical therapy was necessary in order for my body to regain strength in the surrounding muscles of my neck and upper back.

The program began with 3 different exercises, 2 of which used weights:

1. Hand bike – 6 – 8 minutes to warm up the muscles
2. Rowing machine – 5 pounds
3. Shoulder shrugs – 5 pounds in each hand equaling 10 pounds total

After each session of completing the exercises I was taken to an exam room where I received a heat and massage treatment. I began participating in this program twice per week. I was also given specific neck stretches and exercises to perform at home a few days per week.

After 5 weeks in the program, I shortened my visits to once per week for the next 3 weeks. At the same time, the amount of weight for two of the exercises increased slowly. I concluded my physical therapy program with the following weight amounts:

1. Rowing machine – 25 pounds
2. Shoulder shrugs – 10 pounds in each hand equaling 20 pounds total

I just attended my final physical therapy session this past week and I am feeling wonderful compared to how I felt at the beginning of the program. I can definitely tell the difference from my first session compared to my last. I feel stronger overall, am more confident in my movements, can lift more weight, and have been able to decrease the dosages of my pain medication and muscle relaxer. The medications are not needed as frequently now, which I was told is one of the goals that should accompany this type of physical therapy program. I will also continue the at-home exercises for as long as I decide.

Am I completely healed from surgery? Not yet. Full recovery from a Multi-level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion procedure is usually 6 months to 1 year. However, I am certainly stronger, feel much better in general, and will continue to feel better with the at-home stretches.

Based on my personal experience, I would suggest that anyone not considering a physical therapy program after the same neck surgery discuss all available options with their surgeon.

Physical therapy programs can vary by person and facility. Programs are normally tailored to the specific person’s needs and condition.

Related article from Sandy
My Personal Experience: Neck Surgery and Recovery: http://voices.yahoo.com/my-personal-experience-neck-surgery-recovery-11366292.html

Additional Resources
Spine-Health.com: http://www.spine-health.com/treatment/back-surgery/acdf-anterior-cervical-discectomy-and-fusion
UnderstandSpineSurgery.com: http://www.understandspinesurgery.com/Articles/Read/Understanding-Rehabilitation-and-Care-Following-Anterior-Cervical-Fusion