Cervical Fusion Stretches

Exercises for Patient with Anterior Cervical Disc Fusion

Please take the time to review the isometric neck exercises you will begin to do at 6 weeks after surgery.

Resisted Flexion

Stand or sit. Place your hand(s) on your forehead. Push your head forward against the heel of your hand without moving. Hold for a count of 10 (7 seconds). Relax. Repeat 3 times.

Resisted Extension

Stand or sit. Place your hand(s) behind your head – not your neck. Push your head backward against the palm of your hand(s) without moving. Hold for a count of 10 (7 seconds). Relax. Repeat 3 times.

Resisted Side-Bend

Stand or sit. Place your right hand on the right side of your face. Push your head sideways against your hand without moving your head. Hold for a count of 10 (7 seconds). Relax. Repeat in opposite direction with your left hand on your left temple. Hold for a count of 10 (7 seconds). Relax. Repeat sequence 3 times.

Reference:

1. http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/orthopaedic-surgery/_documents/patient-information/patient-forms-guides/JHUCervSpineSurgeryGuide.pdf From The Road To Recovery AFTER CERVICAL SPINE SURGERY A DETAILED GUIDE TO YOUR SURGERY AND THE ECOVERY PROCESS FROM THE JOHNS HOPKINS SPINE SERVICE