Therapy
The therapy for cervical spine fractures is mainly used to restore and secure the posture and stability of the spine. In addition to the passive structures (bones, ligaments, joints), this is ensured by the autochthonous back muscles. This is the musculature that runs closely alongside the spine and connects and stabilizes individual vertebrae or smaller groups of vertebrae.
It cannot be well addressed by exercises used to strengthen the large muscles, but is rather trained by less strength demanding but coordinatively more demanding exercises. This is known as core stability. In the therapy of cervical spine fractures, as with all bone fractures, the wound healing phases and loading instructions of the physician must be observed.
In the acute phase, relaxation techniques for the tense neck muscles, positioning, application of heat and respiratory therapy are used. Especially in the early phase after a fracture or surgery, movements in the affected section, but also in the surrounding spinal column sections or with the head are prohibited in order to ensure fracture healing. During this time, circulatory training with simple light movements with arms and legs can be useful to enable better regeneration.
Compensatory mechanisms for a safe, stabilizing behavior in everyday life can also be learned. Possibly isometric tensions are also allowed, during which the patient activates his muscles without leaving any movement. For example, by applying a slight stimulus to the cheek, the patient can build up pressure against the stimulus and thus activate his lateral neck muscles.
Such stimuli can be given in all directions of movement. The tension is held for a few seconds and then released again. As the stability of the fracture increases, more difficult exercises can be performed.
However, isometric exercises remain an important part of the therapy. When it is no longer necessary to secure the fracture with a neck tie, holding the head can be trained again. From the supine position, a slight double chin is made, and then the head is raised only so far that it just loses contact with the support.
The muscles must now hold the weight of the head. The exercise will be very difficult at the beginning, the head may only be held for a few seconds. It is important that the exercise is performed properly.
The duration can be increased over time. After the stability is secured, the mobility of the cervical spine and head as well as the upper extremity is trained. There is a variety of exercises that can be adapted to the patient, the wound healing status and the doctor’s instructions. In the case of neurological symptoms, these are also intensively addressed in the therapy.