ACDF - 8 Months Post Surgery - Question for those who've been here
 

Hi, I had a two level ACDF surgery last March - I'm feeling pretty good now at almost 8 months out, but having one remaining issue that I can't seem to resolve.

I have a pinchy sort of pain in my upper traps on both sides of my neck. It won't go away. I'm wondering if it's just spasm or something. I started light weight lifting again, haven't started running yet and may not (will do something else), but I'm wondering what I should do to alleviate some of this pinchy/spasm pain?

Any suggestions for exercises - something for my neck/upper traps. The only real restriction the doctor gave me was to not lift heavy weights above my head. He said I could bench press, but to ease into it.

All I'm doing is bench ( super light, only 90lbs now after two months), tricep work with dumbells, light dead lifts, and some upright rows, again very light.

I'm thinking I need to rehab my traps in some way...?

Any ideas?

I would stop the weights until you figure it out.
Could be some trigger points & spasms that need to be resolved.

Spasms & trigger points often go hand in hand, and until the trigger points are resolved stretching or exercising will not be helpful.

Triggerpoint info-
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread125577.html

Thanks for that information, I never heard of Triggerpoints before. I notice my posture has a lot to do with it too...keep working on that.

I can lay off the weights except for my triceps - especially my right side, it took a big hit from the herniated disc and is probably only 60-70% of where it was before the injury. It's a lot better than it was last February tho!

So I can't find anyone in North Jersey that does anything with triggerpoints. Should I be going to a pain management center or for a massage or somewhere else?

Thanks

Yes I would go see a massage therapist or physical therapist. They both deal with trigger points

There's at least one Certified Myofascial Trigger Point Therapist (I wouldn't go to a non-certified practitioner) in Verona, NJ.

Therapist Directory

certified myofascial trigger point therapist

Doc