Kim,

I did not have any surgery, just radiation and chemo. That was 8+ months ago and my neck is always very stiff and sore in the morning. I don't think it would be any better if I slept in a recliner...just part of life now. I try to be aware that there are several stretching excercises I can do as often as I like that will help quite a bit.

Here's some to try:

-Slowly turn the head as far to the right as possible and then to the left. Do about 5 each way.
-Slowly lift the chin as high as it will go and then bend the head down as far as it will go. Do about 5 each way.
-With one hand on the forehead pushing your head back, try to push it forward. Again, about 10 times. This will strengthen the neck muscles.
-With one hand on the back of the head pushing the head forward, try to move the head towards the back. This will also strengthen the neck muscles.
-With one hand on the side of the head, try pushing the head in the same direction as the hand. Do about 10 times in heach direction.

All of these will improve the range of motion and help loosen up the entire neck. I hope these help some. The key is to keep moving around and strengthening all muscles. The more you sit around, the less energy and more deterioration of muscles you will experience.

Ed

SCC Stage IV, BOT, T2N2bM0
Cisplatin/5FU x 3, 40 days radiation
Diagnosis 07/21/03 tx completed 10/08/03
Post Radiation Lower Motor Neuron Syndrome 3/08.
Cervical Spinal Stenosis 01/11
Cervical Myelitis 09/12
Thoracic Paraplegia 10/12
Dysautonomia 11/12
Hospice care 09/12-01/13.
COPD 01/14
Intermittent CHF 6/15
Feeding tube NPO 03/16
VFI 12/2016
ORN 12/2017
Cardiac Event 06/2018
Bilateral VFI 01/2021
Thoracotomy Bilobectomy 01/2022
Bilateral VFI 05/2022
Total Laryngectomy 01/2023