What can be done to manage neck and shoulder stiffness after C1 and C2 surgery?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have done my C1 and C2 surgery with screw fixation. After three months, my head is little flexible to move down and backward but not left and right (the surgery moto is not to turn my head). But for the past one week, I am facing that my neck is very stiff and my right shoulder feels like very tight and weight (sometimes I get pain). Because of this, my total head feels like very tight and with this, I am not able to move my head down (but can move backward). After I consulted with my doctor and took an X-ray and checking that there is no fault in my screw fixation, that is perfect and he gave me some tablets too. But still, I am facing neck, right shoulder (starting from neck till shoulder knee) stiffness.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Your X-ray looks fine (attachment removed to protect patient identity). So, nothing to worry. Yes, you can travel but if you have pain and stiffness, then you need to use a soft cervical collar-size depending on your neck length, or it can be adjustable. If you do a sitting job, then you should get up once every 15 to 20 minutes and take a small walk for two minutes everytime. For the lower back, you need to do McKenzie back extension exercises (cautiously under the guidance of a physiotherapist, as the neck should not get a lot of strain while exercising).