Cervical spine cancer, otherwise referred to as cervical spine metastases, is a medical condition that can cause significant morbidity in patients, according to Bartels et. al. of the Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre. Treatment of this condition includes surgical intervention that can incorporate removal of the affected vertebral discs and fusion of your cervical spine. Physical therapy is often prescribed as follow-up treatment for your condition and is supervised under a licensed physical therapist.
Prevelance
According to Bartels et. al., "after the lungs and the liver, the skeletal system, of which the spine is a part, is the third most often involved system by metastases." As cancer treatments and therapies continue to improve on an annual basis, life expectancy of patients has also increased, thus causing an influx in the number of patients which experience cancer metastasizing into the cervical spine. As such, these patients can experience increased difficulty with performing daily activities hindered by cervical spine cancer.
Early Therapy
Following surgical intervention to remove the metastasis from your cervical spine, your therapy will begin with a focus on low-impact, high flexibility stretching of the affected vertebrae in an effort to promote full range of motion (ROM) in your spine. Exercises include sitting for prolonged periods during therapy to help strengthen your neck muscles as you hold you head up without a neck brace. Your therapist will incorporate manual mobilizations and isometric exercises aroudn your surgical site to help keep your ROM at a maximum and muscle atrophy to a minimum.
Months 1 - 3 of Therapy
As you continue therapy for your cervical spine, your treatment goals will shift to achieving full active ROM within your cervical spine and the ability to lift 20 pounds with ease, according to the Orthopaedic Specialists of North Carolina. Elliptical training and light weights will be incorporated into your exercise treatment regimen to help strengthen your neck and shoulder muscles as well as establish proper coordination in your limbs.
Final Months
In the final months of therapy, which can go beyond six months, your treatment goals will again increase to regaining complete use of your limbs and neck muscles so that you can return to your normal activities of daily living. An at-home exercise program will be prescribed to you by your therapist for continued focus on maintaining strength and ROM in your cervical spine.
References
- Orthopaedic Specialists of North Carolina; "Cervical Fusion Post-Operative Rehabilitation Protocol"; Mark Galland, MD & Kenneth Kirby, PT, DPT
- CA First Look; Spinal Extradural Metastasis; Ronald H. M. A. Bartels, MD, PhD, Yvette M. van der Linden, MD, PhD and Winette T. A. van der Graaf, MD, PhD; 2008
