Neck fusion surgery is a procedure to help stabilize your neck following an injury or condition that causes the cushions between your cervical vertebrae to deteriorate. During the procedure, a surgeon will insert a bone graft into the space between your vertebrae to prevent the discs from rubbing together. After a period of time, your bones will grow together into a single, stronger bone. Rehabilitation from the surgery is tailored to each patient, so only perform the exercises given to you by your doctor or therapist.
Strengthening Exercises
Exercises to strengthen your neck muscles provide your head with a stable platform. Perform these exercises using your body weight as resistance or use a resistance band during therapy. After a period of time, you may be instructed to begin using free weights as additional resistance. These exercises can include moving your neck up and down against the force of gravity; moving your neck from side to side against gravity; and using the bands to provide additional resistance when performing these motions.
Range-of-Motion Exercises
A fusion of two bones together in your neck could affect your ability to move your head throughout its full range of motion. As a result, patients are often prescribed range-of-motion exercises to improve mobility. Following your surgery, your doctor is likely to get you moving your neck as quickly as possible to help improve blood flow and minimize swelling. These exercises include moving your neck as far as it can go to the front, the back and from side to side under the guidance of your therapist.
Stabilization Exercises
Exercises to help stabilize your neck include strengthening and improving the range of motion of the surrounding muscles and connective tissue. Exercising the surrounding structures helps you maintain the proper alignment of your cervical vertebrae. Perform exercises to help strengthen and improve the range of motion to your shoulders as well as your shoulder girdle. While they aren't limited to the surrounding muscles and other anatomical structures, these exercises should be performed exactly as directed by your doctor or therapist.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is designed to help tailor your rehabilitation to your job. The exercises can include movements designed to mimic your activities while at work, as well as exercises to help you perform your job following your surgery without undue pain. Occupational therapy is often put off during your recovery period until you have gained enough strength and range of motion in your neck to be able to perform work-specific exercises. The type of exercises performed depend largely on the type of job you perform. If you perform manual work daily, you may do exercises to help you lift properly or to hold your body in proper alignment when performing your daily duties. If you sit at a desk every day, learn to sit properly and hold your neck in proper alignment.
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