I had the decompression surgery on Aug 8th and I am still having a lot of neck pain which leads to headaches. I was wondering if amy of you have tried physical therapy after your surgery and if it was bemeficial?
Please just make sure you have no fluid buildup from the surgery before you have physical therapy. The two don’t mix well at all.
Rest. Lots of rest. Did your dr give you the rubber bands to pull on? It was part of the suggested PT for me. I don't know what they are called, but they are big strips of stretchy rubber that you can get from any medical supply store. You put a knot in the middle, shut the knot in a door or something, and pull back with both hands, while keeping your chest stationary. It's like doing a bench press while standing, only you are pulling instead. The muscles you'll work are attached to the neck, and if they are strengthened, it helps the surgery sight too. (At least they did for me.) Acupuncture does wonders in speeding up recovery time as well. Those needles were good to me. Almost instant relief, and drug free, too!
There are a lot of Members that go to PT & have great results. I would at least give it a try. I just started the Arnica & I am 7 years post decompression & it helps my neck pain & stiffness tremendously.
Tracy Z.