How is mobility restricted after stiffening surgery?
Spinal fusion is considered when the stability of the spine is to be restored to protect the sensitive structures in and around it. However, this is also a relatively large procedure, which can also damage surrounding structures such as nerve tracts. The rehabilitation phase is also relatively long, whereby the patient is hardly allowed to move the cervical spine in the first 8 weeks after the operation and must wear a special corset.
The mobility of the cervical spine will always remain limited after the operation. Through physiotherapy and specific training, mobility can be improved but not completely restored. Today, more and more doctors therefore prefer to use a disc prosthesis, which is intended to maintain mobility after the operation.
Prognosis
It is not possible to make a generally valid prognosis, since it always depends on the individual case of the person concerned. If it is only muscle tension due to incorrect strain, this can be quickly relieved by massages and posture training. However, if there are serious illnesses, such as damage to the vertebral bodies or nerves, it can sometimes take longer to restore a good general condition.
However, preventive measures such as stretching, strength and mobility training should always be carried out to generally counteract the development of problems. After a stiffening, the cervical spine will always remain limited in its mobility. The benefit of this surgery is the restoration of stability at the expense of mobility. However, if this makes everyday life less problematic, this is a positive benefit.
