Rehabilitation to Improve Outcomes after Cervical Spine Surgery: Narrative Review

J. Clin. Med., 2024 · DOI: 10.3390/jcm13185363 · Published: September 10, 2024

Simple Explanation

Cervical rehabilitation is important for recovery after cervical spine surgeries, but there is a lack of consensus on the best rehabilitation program. This review assesses the ideal rehabilitation approach for adult patients following cervical spine operations. The review covers activities of daily living and different treatment methods like physiotherapy and guidance for everyday activities. It is organized into historical perspectives, patient-reported functional outcomes, and general and disease-specific rehabilitation. Rehabilitation after cervical spine surgery is vital for improving physical function, daily activities, and overall quality of life. It should include both general and disease-specific exercises, focusing on both muscle strengthening and spinal balance.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Level 5, Narrative Review

Key Findings

1
Rehabilitation programs should be based on patient-reported outcomes, performance tests, and disease prognosis to determine the best course of action.
2
Strengthening neck and shoulder muscles is necessary for CSM patients, while CCI patients require mobility based on spinal cord injury severity and functional prognosis.
3
For CCTs, rehabilitation should focus on achieving ambulation, considering the prognosis and impact of cancer treatment on the patient's body.

Research Summary

Rehabilitation of the cervical spine after surgery is essential for improving physical function and the ability to perform daily activities and enhancing overall quality of life. The multifaceted rehabilitation process aims to restore mobility, improve functionality, and boost life quality. To evaluate and assess lumbar spine conditions, practitioners employ various methods, including physical therapy, cognitive–behavioral therapy, and activities of daily living, utilizing patient-reported outcomes and physical performance assessments. While current rehabilitative approaches heavily focus on strengthening muscles, the significance of spinal balance is frequently neglected. Therefore, giving equal attention to muscle strengthening and enhancing spinal balance following cervical spine surgical procedures is crucial.

Practical Implications

Improved Patient Outcomes

Emphasizing post-operative rehabilitation can enhance physical function, daily activities, and overall quality of life for patients undergoing cervical spine surgery.

Tailored Rehabilitation Programs

Rehabilitation programs should be customized based on patient-reported outcomes, performance tests, and disease prognosis to meet individual needs.

Focus on Spinal Balance

Rehabilitation protocols should give equal attention to muscle strengthening and enhancing spinal balance to optimize patient outcomes.

Study Limitations

1
Subjective bias due to narrative review format.
2
Lack of comprehensiveness and reproducibility as it is not a systematic review.
3
Limited number of databases and keywords used.

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