Cycle Race Training After Posterior Cervical Laminectomy

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Question:

Dear TAI Experts:

I had a posterior Cervical Laminectomy c3-c7 11/13/08… no fusion, no metal parts… Doctor said everything looks great… still in a lot of pain though. He said that’s the normal healing process. I ride a racing bike A level… now I can only ride for about 45 minutes @ c level before the neck pain gets too severe. How long before I can get back to where I was prior the surgery and how should I train? Should I use an upright bike or a recumbent until the pain subsides? Thanks.

Answer:

Without doing an examination I am unable to comment on the specifics of your condition. In general, laminectomies are performed to decrease compression on painful structures and “open things up.” The position of the head and neck during cycling is usually a position of extension, which compresses those same structures and “closes things down.” However, it’s possible that this position can generate pain due to other issues in the neck and back, including both weak muscles and joint tightness. If you are still having pain this long after surgery I would consider consulting a physical therapist to evaluate other factors that may be contributing to your symptoms. Meanwhile, I would use an upright bike for your training, as it more closely resembles a standard cycling position without putting the same stresses through the neck. Best of luck.

Josiah Faville PT, DPT