Cervical Spine Surgery

Cervical Spine Surgery

Restoring Neck Health and Mobility

Cervical spine surgery is performed to treat conditions affecting the neck and upper spine, including degenerative diseases, fractures, herniated discs, or spinal deformities. The goal of cervical spine surgery is to relieve pain, restore spinal alignment, and prevent further neurological damage.

When is Cervical Spine Surgery Needed?

Cervical spine surgery may be required for a variety of conditions, including:

• Herniated Disc: A disc in the neck region presses on a nerve, causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms or hands.
• Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal compressing the spinal cord or nerve roots.
• Cervical Spondylosis: Degenerative changes in the cervical spine, often leading to arthritis and pain.
• Fractures: Broken vertebrae due to trauma, requiring stabilization.
• Deformities: Conditions like scoliosis or kyphosis affecting the alignment of the cervical spine.

Goals of Cervical Spine Surgery

• Relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots.
• Stabilize the cervical spine to prevent further damage or deformity.
• Restore proper alignment of the vertebrae to reduce pain and improve function.

Types of Cervical Spine Surgery

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)

• Involves removing a herniated or degenerative disc through an incision in the front of the neck.
• A bone graft or implant is used to fuse the adjacent vertebrae together to stabilize the spine.

Cervical Disc Replacement (CDR)

• The damaged disc is removed and replaced with an artificial disc to preserve motion in the cervical spine.
• This procedure is typically used for patients with specific disc issues, allowing for a more natural range of motion.

Posterior Cervical Decompression

• Performed through an incision at the back of the neck to remove bone spurs or other structures compressing the spinal cord or nerves.
• This can also be combined with a fusion if stability is required.

Spinal Fusion

• Involves fusing two or more vertebrae to create a single, solid bone. This procedure is done when there’s instability due to trauma or degenerative conditions.

Laminectomy

• Removal of the lamina (part of the vertebra) to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves, often used in cases of spinal stenosis.

What to Expect During Surgery

1. Pre-Surgical Assessment: Imaging tests (X-ray, MRI, or CT scans) are used to evaluate the condition and identify the appropriate surgical approach.
2. Procedure: Cervical spine surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, and the specific technique depends on the condition being treated.
3. Post-Surgery Care: Patients are monitored for complications, and recovery plans include pain management and physical therapy.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Recovery after cervical spine surgery varies depending on the procedure performed and the individual’s overall health. General recovery guidelines include:

• Hospital Stay: Depending on the complexity of the surgery, a stay of a few days may be necessary.
• Physical Therapy: To strengthen muscles, restore mobility, and reduce stiffness.
• Neck Brace: Some patients may need to wear a cervical collar to support the neck during healing.
• Pain Management: Medications and therapies to manage discomfort as the spine heals.

Why Cervical Spine Surgery?

• Pain Relief: Decrease or eliminate chronic neck pain, arm pain, or numbness.
• Restore Function: Improve mobility and range of motion in the neck.
• Prevent Further Damage: Address conditions that could cause permanent neurological damage if left untreated.

Regain your quality of life and restore your neck health with advanced cervical spine surgery options tailored to your needs.