Hi, Selma, I hope you are doing well. I remember you saying the neck exercises have helped you. When I try to keep my head upright over my shoulders I just fatigue and feel like hanging it in front of me. When i went to PT they didn't have a traction device yet. It was on order and I think he was having a hard time getting it approved. So, he did the traction himself (about a week ago) and I'm wondering if it was too much, I think it irritated my lower neck. I had a hard time even finding a PT who would treat me, no had treated anyone with CCI.
The device will be in next week, so i need to go back and be tested while in traction so he can report back to my doctor at what weight I was most comfortable and symptoms felt the best. The only objective measurement is my strength and tremors, so i guess he will test that. The PT is pretty sure I need a fusion. I think it freaks him out that he can actually feels the laxity in my upper cervical ligaments.
I just don't need to do this traction to determine if a fusion will help only to injure my lower neck in the process.
And to top things off i found a partially engorged tick on me last night!
Hi...so sorry you are dealing with this .....how long since you had the traction?
I think I shared this with you before.....can't remember, but I too have CCI and was told I would need to have a fusion at some point....I am lucky and happy to say so far I have not had to have it done...and I truly believe that the neck exercises I did post op helped me avoid up to now and I pray continues to be avoided.....
I did not have the traction as I wanted to wait until after I healed from the PFD first and I had my daughter's wedding a year later....so I kept busy with all things related to the wedding and doing my exercises and again am lucky to say I have not had to move forward with treatment.