Conservative Physiotherapy Treatment of a Case with Cervical Vertebral Fusion at the C3 - C4 Combined with Intervertebral Disc Herniation at the C6-C7 Level

Abstract

This study investigated the efficacy of conservative physiotherapy treatment in managing a patient with cervical vertebral fusion at the C3-C4 combined with disc herniation in C6-C7. Mr. Y, a 45-year-old man, had neurological deficiencies and neck pain referred to his left arm. MRI confirmed a C6-C7 disc herniation with adjacent segment degeneration and post-fusion. Manual therapy, positioning, strengthening, neuromuscular re-education, and postural correction were the main goals of conservative physiotherapy program consisting of 6 weeks. Pain, ROM, muscle strength and neck disability was assessed using VAS, goniometer, MMT and NDI. Then, changes observed in pain reduction, neck muscle strength, neck disability and changes in cervical ROM and upper limb muscle strength. This instance emphasized the potential of conservative physiotherapy in managing severe cervical spine diseases, highlighting its role in enhancing recovery and preventing further complications.