TheFort Myers CityScoop

Chiropractic News
Fort Myers, FL

Fort Myers, FL - Upper Cervical Works Even with Spinal Fusion | Ask Dr. Lee

SYNOPSIS: If you’ve had spinal fusion surgery, you may have been told never to see a chiropractor. Maybe your surgeon warned you that adjustments could be dangerous, or perhaps you’ve assumed that chiropractic

Upper Cervical Works Even with Spinal Fusion

BY: Dr. Lee Angle, Upper Cervical Health Centers of Fort Myers
How Upper Cervical Chiropractic Helps Fusion PatientsIf you’ve had spinal fusion surgery, you may have been told never to see a chiropractor. Maybe your surgeon warned you that adjustments could be dangerous, or perhaps you’ve assumed that chiropractic care isn’t an option anymore. Well, I have good news for you—chiropractic care can still help, even if you have a spinal fusion! You just need the right kind of care. Let’s talk about how Upper Cervical Chiropractic works for fusion patients and why you shouldn’t automatically rule it out. What is Spinal Fusion? Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure where two or more vertebrae are permanently joined together using screws, plates, or bone grafts. The goal is to stabilize the spine and prevent movement that could worsen conditions like:
  •  Herniated discs
  •  Degenerative disc disease
  • Spinal fractures
  • Severe scoliosis
By fusing the bones, the surgery eliminates movement in that part of the spine, which can relieve pain and prevent further nerve damage. However, many fusion patients still struggle with pain in other areas of the spine. Common Issues After Spinal Fusion While fusion can help stabilize the spine, it can also create new problems. The most common complaints I see in fusion patients include:
  • Pain at the base of the skull & lowest part of the neck
  • Soreness between the shoulder blades
  •  Numbness or tingling in the arms and hands
Why does this happen? Because when one section of the spine is immobilized, the areas above and below it have to work harder to compensate. This can lead to misalignments, muscle strain, and nerve irritation—which is where chiropractic care comes in. Is Chiropractic Safe for Spinal Fusion Patients? Yes and no. It all depends on your specific case—which part of the spine was fused and why.  If you have an acute spinal fracture or malignant tumor, chiropractic care is not recommended. If you had fusion due to disc herniation or degeneration, upper cervical chiropractic care may still be a great option! The problem is that many surgeons aren’t familiar with modern chiropractic techniques and assume all adjustments involve aggressive twisting and cracking. But that’s not the case—especially with Upper Cervical Chiropractic. How Upper Cervical Chiropractic Helps Fusion Patients Unlike traditional chiropractic adjustments that involve forceful twisting, Upper Cervical Chiropractic focuses on gentle, precise corrections to the top of the spine (the atlas and axis vertebrae). Here’s why it works:
  • No twisting or popping – Upper Cervical adjustments are extremely gentle and don’t put stress on the fused area.
  • Improves nervous system function – A properly aligned upper neck ensures better communication between the brain and body, helping with pain and nerve function.
  • Relieves pressure on surrounding areas – When your upper neck is aligned, it reduces strain on the lower neck and shoulders, which often compensates for the fused section.
Many of my fusion patients experience less pain, better mobility, and even improved nerve function after Upper Cervical care! You Don’t Have to Live in Pain If you or someone you know has had spinal fusion, don’t assume you can’t benefit from chiropractic care. While not everyone is a candidate, many fusion patients can safely experience the benefits of Upper Cervical Chiropractic. If you’re in the Fort Myers area, call our office for a consultation! Let’s find out if Upper Cervical care can help you regain comfort and mobility.

“Best Chiropractor in Fort Myers, FL”

Top Rated Local Chiropractic Clinic / Facility / Business

Fortmyers, North Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Estero, Bonita Springs, FL

Recent

“Best Chiropractor in Fort Myers, FL”

Top Rated Local Chiropractic Clinic / Facility / Business

Fortmyers, North Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Estero, Bonita Springs, FL

CityScoop is the top ranked local business news network in the United States. Established in 2008, CityScoop has been providing local communities with high quality news about local businesses and their most recent projects.

About Cityscoop
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

LOCAL EXPERT

AUTHOR & CONTRIBUTOR
Profile Avatar

Dr. Lee Angle

Upper Cervical Health Centers of Fort Myers

Leave a message

Location

12651 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33919, USA

Recent

Hip Pain in Fort Myers: Why SoftWave Might Be Your Best Move Before the Needle
Apr 25, 2026
If you’re living in Fort Myers or Cape Coral and every step feels like a chore due to nagging hip pain, you’ve…
Navigating the Storm of Perimenopause: Why Your Nervous System Is the Real Key
Apr 22, 2026
If you’re a woman in Fort Myers or Cape Coral currently navigating perimenopause, you know it feels less like …
More Than Skin Deep: Why Your Neck Might Be the Key to Your Hormonal Health
Apr 16, 2026
For many women and men in Fort Myers and Cape Coral, the battle against hormonal acne, erratic mood swings, an…
Fort Myers, FL - Bouncing Back from Ankle Sprains: How SoftWave Helps Heal Fast
Apr 5, 2026
Whether you missed a step on a sidewalk in Cape Coral or rolled your ankle during an intense workout in Fort M…
Fort Myers, FL - Relieving Jaw Pain and TMJ Tension with SoftWave Therapy
Mar 30, 2026
SoftWave therapy offers a natural, noninvasive way to relieve TMJ pain, and when combined with upper cervical …
Fort Myers, FL - SoftWave vs. Traditional Physical Therapy: Which Works Faster?
Mar 24, 2026
I am often asked whether SoftWave therapy or traditional physical therapy is the better choice for muscle heal…
Fort Myers, FL - Neck Alignment and Thyroid Health: Supporting Hormone Balance
Mar 17, 2026
Neck alignment affects far more than posture and pain. I often see that upper cervical health plays an import…
Fort Myers, FL - How Upper Cervical Adjustments Improve Focus and Productivity
Mar 8, 2026
Upper cervical adjustments can help restore clearer communication between your brain and body, and that can ma…
Fort Myers, FL - What Athletes Love About SoftWave: Faster Recovery For Workouts
Feb 24, 2026
Athletes in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and across Southwest Florida work hard for every bit of performance they g…
Fort Myers, FL - Why Neck Misalignment Can Sometimes Mimic Symptoms of Anxiety
Feb 13, 2026
So many of my patients in Fort Myers and Cape Coral sit in front of me and say, “I feel anxious, but I also fe…

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

BIO: Dr. Lee Angle is originally from southern West Virginia. After having his life changed through Upper Cervical Care he chose to pursue it as a career. He has been practicing Upper Cervical Chiropractic for over a decade. Dr. Angle previously worked as a certified personal trainer. This background allows him to educate his patients on proper movement and exercises to speed their recovery.

QR CODE

Hip Pain in Fort Myers: Why SoftWave Might Be Your Best Move Before the Needle