Cervical fusion is a surgery meant to help patients who suffer from chronic neck pain. While most cases of neck pain can be treated without the need for surgery, some patients experience pain between the discs in their spine that does not go away even after treatment. In those cases, cervical fusion helps to remove the pressure from the nerves in the neck that are caused by bone spurs, bulging discs or other problems. This surgery is normally very effective at treating neck pain, with over 73% of patients reporting positive results after having the surgery.

However, if you have undergone cervical fusion surgery and still suffer from chronic neck pain, it may be time to visit a physical therapist. Physical therapists are experts in helping patients just like you recover from surgery, as well as treating many forms of chronic neck pain.

I’ve already had cervical fusion for my chronic neck pain. How can physical therapy help?

While cervical fusion helps many patients to relieve their chronic neck pain, the underlying cause of their pain can sometimes become worse over time. Recovering from surgery can also be a painful process, even for patients who have dealt with neck pain in the past. Physical therapy is an effective method for continuing to treat chronic neck pain even long after cervical fusion surgery.

Physical therapists can use a number of trusted methods to help treat the source of your chronic neck pain. Here are three ways that physical therapy can help:

1. IASTM therapy — Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is a kind of manual therapy that is often used for treating patients during post-surgical rehabilitation. Your therapist will use special instruments to manipulate the soft tissue in the neck. This increases circulation, reduces inflammation and relieves pain in the affected area.
2. Electrical stimulation — This form of physical therapy involves sending small electrical pulses into the neck. Electrical stimulation therapy not only reduces pain, but it also helps in neuromuscular reeducation after surgery.
3. Therapeutic exercises — Rebuilding strength in the neck muscles is key to recovering after cervical fusion surgery. This helps not only to strengthen the muscles but also to keep the neck flexible and mobile, preventing buildup of scar tissue that can contribute to stiffness in the neck after surgery.

Where can I turn for quality physical therapy near me?

Our team at Continuum Wellness is ready to help you find relief from chronic neck pain after your cervical fusion surgery. Whether your neck pain is due to post-surgery aches, or from underlying conditions such as arthritis, we have a wide array of proven methods at our disposal to help treat your chronic pain. A free screening can help us determine the treatment plan that is best for your needs.

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.