Our Summary

This research paper looks at the impact of physical therapy and exercise programs on pain management after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) surgery. ACDF surgery is a procedure to remove a herniated or degenerative disc in the neck.

The study involved 40 patients who had undergone ACDF surgery. They were split into two groups - 20 who did not do any physical therapy or exercise after their surgery, and 20 who did a 6-month program of physical therapy and exercise.

The researchers measured the patients’ pain levels, disability levels, and the angle of their neck curvature both 2 days and 6 months after surgery. They found no significant differences in these measurements between the two groups 2 days after surgery. However, 6 months after surgery, the group that did physical therapy and exercise reported significantly less pain and disability than the group that did not. The angle of neck curvature did not significantly differ between the two groups 6 months after surgery.

The conclusion drawn from the study is that doing physical therapy and exercise soon after ACDF surgery can improve pain management without affecting the recovery of neck alignment.

FAQs

  1. What is the impact of physical therapy and exercise on pain management after ACDF surgery?
  2. Did the study find any significant differences in pain levels and disability between those who did physical therapy post-surgery and those who did not?
  3. Does physical therapy and exercise after ACDF surgery affect the recovery of neck alignment?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip that a doctor might give a patient about microdiscectomy is to follow a physical therapy and exercise program as recommended by their healthcare provider. This can help improve pain management, reduce disability, and aid in the recovery process after surgery. It is important to follow the exercise program consistently and correctly to see the best results.

Suitable For

Microdiscectomy is typically recommended for patients who have a herniated disc in the lumbar spine that is causing severe pain, weakness, or numbness in the leg. This procedure is often recommended for patients who have not found relief from conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medication, or injections. Patients who have tried other treatments for at least six weeks and have not experienced improvement in their symptoms may be good candidates for microdiscectomy.

Additionally, patients who have significant nerve compression or a large herniated disc that is pressing on the spinal cord may also be recommended for microdiscectomy. This surgery can help relieve pressure on the nerves and improve symptoms such as leg pain, weakness, or numbness.

It is important for patients to discuss their symptoms and treatment options with their healthcare provider to determine if microdiscectomy is the best course of action for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before microdiscectomy:

  • Patient experiences persistent back pain, leg pain, and/or numbness, typically caused by a herniated disc pressing on a nerve in the spine.
  • Patient may undergo imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans to confirm the diagnosis.
  • Patient may try conservative treatments such as physical therapy, pain medications, and steroid injections to manage symptoms.

After microdiscectomy:

  • Patient undergoes microdiscectomy surgery to remove the herniated portion of the disc and relieve pressure on the nerve.
  • Patient may experience some pain and discomfort immediately after surgery, which is typically managed with pain medications.
  • Patient is usually able to go home the same day or the day after surgery.
  • Patient is advised to gradually increase physical activity and may be referred to physical therapy to help with recovery.
  • Over the following weeks and months, patient gradually resumes normal activities and experiences a reduction in pain and symptoms as the nerve heals.
  • Patient may need to follow up with their surgeon for post-operative appointments to monitor progress and address any concerns.

Overall, microdiscectomy surgery is often successful in relieving symptoms of a herniated disc and helping patients return to their normal activities with reduced pain and improved function.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about microdiscectomy include:

  1. What is the success rate of microdiscectomy in relieving my specific type of back pain?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with microdiscectomy?
  3. What is the recovery process like after microdiscectomy and how long can I expect to be out of work or limited in my activities?
  4. Will I need physical therapy or exercise after the surgery to aid in my recovery?
  5. How soon after the surgery can I start physical therapy or exercise?
  6. What type of physical therapy or exercise program would you recommend for me?
  7. Will participating in physical therapy or exercise affect the long-term success of the surgery?
  8. Are there any specific restrictions on movement or activities that I should follow after microdiscectomy?
  9. How often should I follow up with you after the surgery, and what signs or symptoms should I watch for that may indicate a complication?
  10. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that I should consider in conjunction with or instead of microdiscectomy?

Reference

Authors: Cerezci O, Basak AT. Journal: Turk Neurosurg. 2022;32(5):834-840. doi: 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.36243-21.2. PMID: 35253156