Thanks to everyone who wrote me back. Some have asked to know a bit more about my injury so I hope this helps.
I went over my handle bars and landed against a tree approx. 5 weeks ago but did not go unconscious. At the time I had minimal pain. Over the next four days my neck got really sore and at that point I went to the hospital.
I had neck x-rays, a CT scan, and a floroscopy (moving x-ray) which showed increased intervertebral space between (C4+5, and C5+6). In addition my facet joints are displaced and my C4 and C5 vertebrae move anteriorly with flexion.
To my understanding I have ripped my interspinous ligaments at least most of the way though and my post. longitudinal lig is also stretched. I have been in a hard collar for 5 weeks now for 24 hours a day.
My doctor is suggesting fusion of C4 to c6. I think that I will loose approx. 20% of my flex to extn ROM and some rotation. To this time I have tried to do a wide range of upper body theraband exercises where I use my arms only up to shoulder height.
I am concerned mostly about long term stability and the problems I will face because my neck will be immobilized for 4 to 5 months (3 months prior to surgery and 2 months after).
I am 27 years old and very active. I instruct rock climbing during the school year and spend approx. 4 months a year travelling to places around the world to climb. I also do a lot of other sports (i.e rollerblading, skiing, kyacking, mountain biking, etc.) so I guess I'm at risk of reinjury.
If anyone still has some advice or approaches I should consider, I still would appreciate it.
Thanks again,
Karina.
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