Hello, BBM. I had an ACDF at C5/C6 in early 2022. Took about 6-7 months for the nerve pain to go away after that, but have had no symptoms to speak of since then. I’ve been contemplating doing some specific neck training. Nothing crazy. Just a few sets of curls/extensions using a plate held in place. Of course starting light, and progressing gradually. Any reason not to do this considering the ACDF surgery or something else? At 54 years, I feel like my neck has gotten thinner than I like. I’ve also recently started doing some shrugs to help with this also with no issues.
Hi there, Euby. Good to hear from you again.
To directly answer your question, it is unlikely there is a long-standing absolute contraindication to neck training after this type of procedure. That said, I do not know the specifics of your case, the procedure, and/or any complications that may have come up.
Still, it’s encouraging you don’t have any signs or symptoms since then. From an exercise prescription standpoint, one thought I come back to when considering adding or subtracting an exercise is “what is the purpose”? You mention a desire for a bigger neck and that you’ve been doing shrugs for some time. I suspect those (and doing more of them as your tolerance increases) will have a far bigger impact on your neck’s size than plate loaded neck extensions/curls. That said, I personally wouldn’t be afraid of a neck harness or other direct training. If it makes you feel more comfortable, you may want to ping the surgeon just for peace of mind.
-Jordan
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Thanks Jordan. You guys have never steered me wrong. I wish I could trust the surgeon in this regard. He told me post-surgery that I should never do any overhead exercises again. Just one of those docs I guess. I’ve been doing all kinds of those things too, with caution while listening for any indication of issue, but progressively and as free from nocebo as I can manage. I think I’m good here but will give it a go and see how it unfolds. Thanks again and many blessings to you guys.
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