Payton02
07-02-2007, 11:03 AM
Hello everyone. It's been awhile since I've posted on this board. I had a one level acdf with donor bone and plate (c6/7) at the end of February. I had herniated discs at both C6/7 and C5/6, but was advised to only fuse the one level since C5/6 was not causing any problems. I had an x-ray at three months and was told that everything looked very good. I was fully released with no restrictions. I asked if I could start doing Pilates and was told to go ahead and use my own judgement. I have a Pilates performer, so I started very slowly. After one week I woke up with a very stiff and sore neck on the right side - which is the side that the other disc is herniated on. I never had any symptoms on the right side previously. I believed that this was just a result of maybe overdoing it, and have refrained from any exercise for the last five days. I have almost more pain and soreness in the neck area today. It is very stiff and difficult to turn. I do not have any of the neurological symptoms that I had the first time (numbness, etc.). I am really worried that I screwed something up. Any suggestions?
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SpineAZ
07-03-2007, 12:28 AM
If the pain keeps up be sure to see your doctor as soon as possible. Personally I restricted any neck exercise for 12 months until I was 100% sure of good fusion and muscle recovery.
julyg
07-06-2007, 08:39 PM
I found even physical therapy at 3 months post op was too much too soon.
The moist heat and ultrasound and tens was fine, but the exercises were creating new spasms and stiffness. I stopped the p/t and started to heal.
We need to listen to our bodies, and yours does not sound ready for that kind of activity just yet!
The moist heat and ultrasound and tens was fine, but the exercises were creating new spasms and stiffness. I stopped the p/t and started to heal.
We need to listen to our bodies, and yours does not sound ready for that kind of activity just yet!
Dutchgirl
07-07-2007, 02:22 PM
I'm sorry to hear about the new pain. That also happens to me whenever I do any kind of exercise or even stretching for more than 10 min. I really hate that they say "you should be able to go back to normal activity" at such an early stage! Your only 3 mos. post op and Pilates seems kind of extreme and hard on the neck to be doing at this point and time. I would just walk if you can and let pain be your guide.
I had the same exact situation as yours (except for the other way around) and had herniations also on C6/7 and C5/6, and they also (as a conservative measure) took out only the one level (C5/6), but then not even 9 mos. later C6/7 had to be taken out too. Soooo please take it very easy and be careful, because the discs around the one that has been removed will try and overcompensate for the one that is gone, which could make them weaker.
Also I had the same pain after doing exercise. Ice packs on my neck helped quite a bit and taking ibuprofen. And like everyone here keeps reminding me "Rest, Rest, Rest and more Rest (if possible anyways). Just keep an eye on it and I would let your doc know what happened.
Take care! :wave:
I had the same exact situation as yours (except for the other way around) and had herniations also on C6/7 and C5/6, and they also (as a conservative measure) took out only the one level (C5/6), but then not even 9 mos. later C6/7 had to be taken out too. Soooo please take it very easy and be careful, because the discs around the one that has been removed will try and overcompensate for the one that is gone, which could make them weaker.
Also I had the same pain after doing exercise. Ice packs on my neck helped quite a bit and taking ibuprofen. And like everyone here keeps reminding me "Rest, Rest, Rest and more Rest (if possible anyways). Just keep an eye on it and I would let your doc know what happened.
Take care! :wave:
SKZ
07-07-2007, 05:05 PM
I started P.T. 6 weeks post op. (end of Feb.). I got all flared up when I went on a vacation in May. I posted all about this. Now that I have stopped doing any upper body exercises, I feel much better. I was thinking maybe another level was starting to go, but I am now thinking its more muscular.
Payton02
07-09-2007, 01:25 PM
Thanks everyone for your feedback. I've stopped any Pilates activity for the last couple of weeks, and the pain has subsided. I was really worried that I did something to aggravate the c5/6 disc. I think I will take your advice and stay away from any strenuous neck exercises for quite some time. My biggest fear is to have to undergo another surgery so soon. I suppose at some time removal of the other disc may be necessary, but I was hoping it wasn't going to be for a few more years.
Another question - how long before it is acceptable to take Advil? My NS gave it to me post-op, but I didn't take it due to the information I read on this board. It is really the only non-prescription pain reliever that works for me.
Another question - how long before it is acceptable to take Advil? My NS gave it to me post-op, but I didn't take it due to the information I read on this board. It is really the only non-prescription pain reliever that works for me.
SKZ
07-09-2007, 03:26 PM
Payton, I had a 2 level ACDF in Jan. and have been worried that another level was going to pot. I also was doing Pilates exercises. I was doing, along with those, exercises for the scapula area, too. My pain is really bad in the scapula area. I finally stopped all upper body exercises about a week ago, after taking a 6 day course of steroids and it didnt help all that much. (maybe 30% better). I have to say I am a little better already from quitting the upper body stuff. I was doing the exercise ball where you lay on your stomach and lift your leg and the opposite arm. That one really aggravated my neck and thoracic area. I am just using the foam roll for my tummy, which is fine. I am not sure if and when I will ever start back to those exercises. I feel weird because I strengthed all those muscles and now they are going to get weak again. But what good are strong muscles if its aggravating the condition??????
Dutchgirl
07-10-2007, 06:21 PM
I can't tell you how many times in the last 3 years I have built up muscles only to have to let them weaken again. That is one of the most frustrating things of all, because exercise makes you feel better physically and mentally, and when you cannot do it well.. you know.
I wanted to tell both of you that I did a lot of research on the internet and found several Yoga Therapy DVD's for the back and upper neck and it also helps chronic headaches. I have been doing this once or twice a week now and I close my curtains, turn of the lights, and turn up the volume on my T.V. so that I can really get into the relaxation. If I can just stick to this for at least a month or so, then I will probably feel better, but once I start getting some energy I usually end up going gung ho, and hurt myself. You would think that I would learn!
This therapy type of yoga is not strenuous it just loosens up your neck and back muscles and teaches you how to breathe correctly. I also watched this infomercial, and saw this awesome buns and thigh exercise machine, and there is no bouncing just sliding, and it doesn't look like it would hurt my neck. I really want to try that, because then at least my legs would be in shape. ;)
I wanted to tell both of you that I did a lot of research on the internet and found several Yoga Therapy DVD's for the back and upper neck and it also helps chronic headaches. I have been doing this once or twice a week now and I close my curtains, turn of the lights, and turn up the volume on my T.V. so that I can really get into the relaxation. If I can just stick to this for at least a month or so, then I will probably feel better, but once I start getting some energy I usually end up going gung ho, and hurt myself. You would think that I would learn!
This therapy type of yoga is not strenuous it just loosens up your neck and back muscles and teaches you how to breathe correctly. I also watched this infomercial, and saw this awesome buns and thigh exercise machine, and there is no bouncing just sliding, and it doesn't look like it would hurt my neck. I really want to try that, because then at least my legs would be in shape. ;)