Can I Get Adjusted After a Neck Fusion? Exploring Safe Chiropractic Options After Surgery

Can I Get Adjusted After a Neck Fusion? Exploring Safe Chiropractic Options After Surgery

Neck fusion surgery, also known as cervical spinal fusion, is often considered a last resort for patients dealing with severe disc degeneration, spinal instability, or chronic pain that hasn't responded to traditional treatment. Whether you've had an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), posterior fusion, or even a fusion in the upper cervical spine, it’s understandable to wonder: Can I still see a chiropractor after a neck fusion?

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The good news is: Yes, you can.

At our Hiawatha upper cervical chiropractic office, we specialize in non-invasive, gentle spinal care that is safe and effective—even for patients who have undergone cervical fusions, spinal surgeries, and other complex procedures. Unlike conventional chiropractic adjustments that may involve high-force manipulations, upper cervical chiropractic care offers a precise, customized approach tailored to each patient’s anatomy, surgical history, and overall condition.

In this article, we'll explore:

✔ Whether it's safe to receive chiropractic care after a neck fusion

✔ How upper cervical adjustments work for post-surgical patients

✔ How we care for people with unique conditions like EDS, Arnold Chiari malformations, and post-botox injection cases

✔ Why many patients travel from across Cedar Rapids, Marion, Davenport, Burlington, and Muscatine to see us

What Is a Neck Fusion and Why Is It Performed?

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Neck fusion surgery involves permanently joining two or more vertebrae in the cervical spine to eliminate painful motion or stabilize the spine. It’s typically used to treat:

• Degenerative disc disease
• Spinal stenosis
• Cervical instability
• Disc herniation
• Traumatic injury
• Scoliosis or deformity

Types of cervical fusions include:

• Anterior cervical fusion – performed from the front of the neck
• Posterior cervical fusion – performed from the back of the neck
• Multilevel fusions – involving several vertebral segments
• Upper cervical fusions – fusions that may involve C1 (atlas) or C2 (axis)

These procedures often involve the use of plates, rods, or screws to stabilize the area.

Is It Safe to Get a Chiropractic Adjustment After a Neck Fusion?

Yes—but not just any chiropractic adjustment. At our clinic, we specialize in upper cervical chiropractic care, which is:

✅ Gentle and non-invasive

✅ Free from twisting, cracking, or forceful movements

✅ Safe for patients with implants or hardware

✅ Highly specific and customized to each individual

We begin each case with advanced diagnostic imaging and a detailed chiropractic wellness evaluation, especially when working with patients who have a history of fusion.

This allows us to determine:

• Which spinal levels are fused
• Which areas still require care
• How best to approach your alignment without compromising surgical work

How Upper Cervical Chiropractic Works for Post-Fusion Patients

The atlas (C1) and axis (C2) vertebrae at the top of the spine are the most mobile and neurologically significant bones in the body. They affect:

• Posture and spinal alignment
• Brainstem and nervous system function
• Blood flow to the brain
• Sinus drainage, balance, and even TMJ pain

When we gently adjust the atlas vertebra—using the Knee Chest Upper Cervical technique—we’re not manipulating the fused areas. Instead, we’re:

• Creating balance above and below the fusion
• Improving neurological communication
• Reducing muscle tension and postural compensation
• Helping the rest of the spine function more efficiently

Our upper cervical adjustments are ideal for patients who cannot tolerate traditional chiropractic due to surgical hardware, spinal implants, or sensitive tissues.

We Can Safely Adjust Patients With These Surgical Histories

In our Hiawatha office, we routinely work with patients who have:

✅ Anterior and posterior cervical fusions

✅ Fusions of the upper cervical spine (C1/C2)

✅ Thoracic and lumbar spinal fusions

✅ Decompression surgery (laminectomy/discectomy)

✅ Spinal cord stimulator implants

✅ Botox injections for pain or migraines

✅ Facet joint or epidural steroid injections

We tailor each care plan based on your specific condition, imaging, and medical history.

What About Patients With Complex or Rare Conditions?

Many chiropractors hesitate to work with patients who have complex neurological or connective tissue disorders, but our practice is uniquely equipped to help.

✅ Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)

EDS patients require an ultra-gentle approach due to joint hypermobility and tissue fragility. Our atlas-specific adjustments are low-force and highly controlled, making them an ideal option.

✅ Arnold Chiari Malformation

This condition involves downward displacement of the cerebellum through the foramen magnum. Pressure on the brainstem can result in headaches, balance issues, and neurological symptoms.

We help relieve brainstem pressure through non-invasive upper cervical care—no twisting or manipulation involved.

✅ Post-Surgical and Injection-Sensitive Patients

We work with many people who have:

• Migraine-related Botox injections
• Nerve blocks or trigger point injections
• Failed surgery recovery needs
• Post-concussion syndrome

These patients benefit from our nervous system optimization and brainstem connection chiropractic techniques without any aggravation to their existing procedures.

We Use Advanced Imaging and Customized Care Plans

Your safety is our priority. Before performing any adjustments, we use:

• Advanced diagnostic imaging for spinal health
• Paraspinal thermography and posture assessments
• Chiropractic wellness evaluations
• Detailed surgical history reviews

Whether you’ve had a fusion 6 months ago or 10 years ago, we develop a plan that’s right for you and your unique anatomy.

Why Patients Travel to Hiawatha for Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care

There are only three offices in Iowa practicing the Knee Chest Upper Cervical technique, and ours is the closest to the Southeast Iowa region. Patients often travel from:

• Davenport
• Burlington
• Maquoketa
• Muscatine
• Anamosa
• Kalona
• Independence
• Coralville
• North Liberty
• Iowa City
• And even over two hours away to experience care that is precise, respectful of prior surgeries, and focused on neurological function.

Real Conditions We’ve Helped in Post-Surgical Patients

✔ TMJ 

✔ Chronic neck pain 

✔ Vertigo 

✔ Fibromyalgia relief 

✔ Chiropractic care for tinnitus

✔ Post-concussion therapy 

✔ Trigeminal neuralgia treatment through upper cervical care

✔ Chronic fatigue 

Final Thoughts: Chiropractic Is Still an Option After Neck Fusion

If you've been told that chiropractic care is no longer an option after fusion, know that there are safe, effective alternatives. Upper cervical chiropractic care in Hiawatha, IA offers a non-invasive path to pain relief, better mobility, and nervous system health—even for those with a surgical history.

We’re here to help you feel safe, supported, and confident in your healing journey.