Post-Spinal Surgery Recovery: How NUCCA Can Alleviate Neck Pain & Headaches
Undergoing spinal surgery is often a necessary step toward addressing severe spinal issues. However, many patients continue to experience persistent neck pain and headaches even after the procedure, a condition sometimes referred to as “post-surgical neck syndrome.” Emerging research indicates that upper cervical chiropractic care may offer effective relief for these lingering symptoms. At Koru Chiropractic in Louisville, Colorado, Dr. Norris Golberg is a NUCCA-certified corrective care chiropractor who has had success in dozens of post-surgical cases. He even co-authored a research paper on a successful case of “post-surgical neck syndrome.” Contact us today for a free consultation!
Case Study: Resolution of Post-Surgical Neck Pain and Headaches
A recent case study published in the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research detailed the recovery of a patient who experienced chronic neck pain and daily headaches following spinal fusion surgery. Traditional medical interventions had limited success in alleviating these symptoms. However, after receiving upper cervical chiropractic adjustments, the patient reported significant improvements in both neck pain and headache frequency (1).
Understanding Post-Surgical Neck Syndrome
Persistent neck pain after surgery can arise from various factors, including:
-
Residual Misalignments: Surgery may address specific structural issues but can leave subtle misalignments uncorrected, leading to ongoing discomfort.
-
Scar Tissue Formation: The healing process can result in scar tissue that restricts movement and contributes to pain.
-
Compensatory Mechanics: Alterations in one part of the spine can cause other regions to adapt improperly, resulting in additional strain and discomfort.
This patient had C6 and C7 fused together almost 20 years prior to these x-rays. On the 2nd x-ray you can see how their C4 vertebrea is moving too much (instability), whilst on the 3rd x-ray you can see how they are struggling to get full extnesion, not from the fusion as much as the vertebrea below (T1-T2) are not moving as they should. This patient aslo recieved NUCCA upper cervical adjustments and has had full resolution of her vetrigo, neck pain, headaches, and chronic fatigue syndrome!
How Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care Assists in Recovery
Upper cervical chiropractic care focuses on the precise alignment of the uppermost vertebrae in the spine, particularly the atlas (C1) and axis (C2). Proper alignment in this area is crucial for optimal nervous system function and overall spinal health. By employing gentle and targeted adjustments, upper cervical chiropractors aim to:
-
Restore Proper Alignment: Correcting misalignments can alleviate undue pressure on nerves and surrounding tissues.
-
Enhance Nervous System Function: Proper alignment facilitates better communication between the brain and body, promoting natural healing processes.
-
Reduce Pain and Inflammation: Targeted adjustments can decrease muscle tension and inflammation, leading to pain relief.
This patient was born with Klippel-Feil syndrome (KFS) is a rare congential condition characterized by the fusion of two or more cervical (neck) vertebrae as well as facial deformity in some cases. He had several jaw reconstructions as a young adult but the neck fusion was never discovered until a bad ski accident. He was nearly paralyzed and had to get 2 rounds of surgery, one at C3-C5 and the other at C6-7. He was hesitant to start chiropractic care but was starting to feel some of his symptoms come back. After adjusting his upper thoracic spine and 1st rib as well as his upper neck he’s feeling more range of motion, less neck pain and no more numbness and tingling!
Supporting Research and Evidence
Additional studies have highlighted the benefits of upper cervical chiropractic care for individuals with chronic neck pain, including those with a history of spinal surgery:
-
Improvement of Chronic Neck Pain After Posterior Atlantoaxial Surgical Fusion via Multimodal Chiropractic Care: A Case Report. This study discusses a patient with chronic neck pain post-C1/2 posterior fusion who experienced significant improvement through multimodal chiropractic treatments (2).
-
Neck Pain and Disability Outcomes Following Chiropractic Upper Cervical Care: A Retrospective Case Series. This research indicates that patients with neck pain experienced improvement following upper cervical chiropractic procedures, stimulating further research questions regarding the role of upper cervical alignment in cervical adjustments (2).
This patient had multiple cervical fusions, fusing C4, C5 and C6 together. Years later after an unfortunate car accident she had a whiplash injury and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). With this amount of hardware I was uncertain what we’d accomplish being limited on areas we could work. After adjusting her atlas vertebrea and T1-2 her TBI symptoms which included dizziness, nausea, and congnitive disortion improved as well as her neck pain and numbness and tingling into her hands! We can actually see how the instability at C7-T1 improved which was potentially going to result in another fusion if she didn’t respond to conservative treatment.
Koru Chiropractic: Your Partner in Post-Surgical Recovery
At Koru Chiropractic in Louisville, Colorado, we specialize in upper cervical chiropractic care tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Our approach is gentle, precise, and aimed at addressing the root causes of your discomfort. Whether you’re dealing with post-surgical neck pain, headaches, or other related symptoms, our team is dedicated to helping you achieve optimal health and wellness.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a pain-free life!