Cervical fusion connects two or more bones in your upper spine, and can help ease the discomfort of degenerative conditions such as disc disease. It also can help correct conditions such as scoliosis or a fracture of one or more of your neck bones. This procedure involves "welding" two or more bones together so that they heal as one larger bone. Following the procedure, your doctor is likely to prescribe stabilizing exercises that train your neck muscles to hold your bones in proper alignment.
The Chin Tuck
Stand or sit with your head positioned directly over your shoulders and your eyes looking forward. Use the muscles of your neck to pull your head back toward the rear as if you were trying to tuck your chin into your throat. Hold this position for about 10 seconds and relax. Repeat as directed by your doctor or therapist. You also can perform this exercise while lying down by placing a rolled-up towel under the back of your neck.
Shoulder Shrugs
Stand or sit with your head directly over your shoulders and your back as straight as possible. Use the muscles of your neck to lift your shoulders up as if you were trying to touch your shoulders with your ears. Be sure that when performing this exercise you keep your shoulders properly aligned and that you don't move your head to the front or rear. Repeat as directed by your doctor. You also may be prescribed an exercise similar to this where you roll your shoulders forward and backwards in a circle.
Scapular Retraction
Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart and your arms by your sides. Bend both elbows until your forearm is pointing directly toward the ground and your forearms are about parallel to the ground. Pull both elbows back at the same time as if you were trying to touch them together behind your back. This motion will force your shoulder blades to move down and toward the center of your body. Hold this position for a couple of seconds and relax; repeat as necessary.
Cervical Extension
This exercise helps you develop flexibility when you need to bend your head back in order to look up following your cervical fusion. Stand or sit with both hands clasped behind your neck and your head positioned directly over your shoulders. Hold your neck with both hands and tilt your head back to look up at the ceiling. Hold this position for a few seconds and relax.
References
- University of Southern California Center for Spinal Surgery: Posterior Cervical Fusion
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Spinal Fusion
- Spine-Health.com; Post-Operative Care for Spinal Fusion Surgery; John E. Sherman, MD
- Orthopaedic Specialists of North Carolina: Cervical Stabilization Exercises
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Patient's Guide to Rehabilitation of the Cervical Spine
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