My name is Dr Teena Fernandez. I am a GP in North Wales currently undertaking research as part of my Masters in Sports and Exercise Medicine at Nottingham University. During my studies my husband sustained a cervical spine injury resulting in a 2 level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion and we found little advice or evidence on returning to sport following such surgery.
Can you help researchers from the University of Nottingham?
We did not know if he could go dog walking, do martial arts or do manual labour for 2 hours a day? I subsequently undertook research which only identified expert opinion on returning to sport. I have now (with the help of a neurosurgery consultant) decided to find out how people return to sport following 2 level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion.
I plan to undertake a qualitative project interviewing approximately 8-16 participants to find out whether they have returned to at least 2 hours of exercise a day following the surgery. I would like to know whether they developed problems such as neck pain or pain or loss of function of the arms and legs with exercise.
Being a GP, I hope I can interpret the interviews and help people who require advice on getting fit after surgery.
Please have a look at my advert and get in touch if you would like to be involved.
Dr Teena Fernandez
MBBS MRCGP DFFP DRCOG BMEDSCI PGCE
Why does this matter? A word from the director
The role of exercise after surgery in CSM is largely unexplored. However there is much to suggest that it can enhance recovery; indeed this is well demonstrated in animal studies of spinal cord injury, underpins the basis for spinal cord injury rehabilitation centres and is starting to be evidence based in traumatic spinal cord injury. So at Myelopathy.org, we are pleased to support this research study. It should be noted, that this study is not just for CSM and looks in particular at higher performance athletes (exercising more than 2 hours per day), but no doubt this will have some relevance and we look forward to seeing the results. Ben Davies, Director Myelopathy.org
Worried about participating in research?
Myelopathy.org ensures all affiliated research meets UK Research Standards. A useful video has been prepared by Connected Health Cities and The Farr Institute to provide an overview of how health research is conducted and overseen in the UK, including how your data is looked after and used. If you have any further questions or concerns, please get in touch.
I am almost two weeks post having anterior myelopathy surgery and have found great difficulty in finding help and advice regarding appropriate exercise to help with my recovery