When is Neck Surgery Necessary?
See a Spine Specialist to Find Out!
Originally written by Courtney Gittins
Neck surgery, encompassing procedures like cervical spine surgery and cervical spinal fusion, becomes a consideration for individuals grappling with persistent neck pain or neurological symptoms that continue despite non-surgical treatments. These surgical interventions target issues like herniated discs, spinal cord compression, or nerve compression, aiming to alleviate the associated discomfort and dysfunction.
At OrthoNeuro in Columbus, Ohio, we understand the importance of exploring all avenues before choosing surgery. However, if surgery becomes necessary, our expert team is equipped to guide you through the process, offering personalized care and innovative techniques to help you regain comfort and mobility. Schedule an appointment with us today to explore your options and embark on your journey towards neck pain relief.
What is Neck Surgery?
Neck surgery is often considered for individuals with chronic neck pain or neurological symptoms that do not respond to conservative treatments. This could include procedures such as cervical spine surgery and cervical spinal fusion. These surgeries aim to address underlying issues, such as a herniated disc, spinal cord compression, or nerve compression, that may be causing the pain and dysfunction.
Cervical spine surgery involves accessing the cervical spine through the front (anterior) or back (posterior) of the neck to remove damaged discs, bone spurs, or other structures pressing on nerves or the spinal cord.
Cervical spinal fusion is a procedure where two or more vertebrae are fused together to stabilize the spine and alleviate pain.
While neck surgery can be highly effective in relieving symptoms and improving the quality of life for many patients, it’s essential to discuss the risks, benefits, and potential alternatives with a qualified healthcare provider to make an informed decision about the best course of treatment.
Non-Surgical Treatment for Neck Pain
At OrthoNeuro, we offer the latest in non-surgical techniques for treating neck pain, including:
- Physical therapy
- Medication (NSAIDs and muscle relaxants)
- Injection therapy
- Interventional pain management
Do I Need Neck Surgery?
At OrthoNeuro, we will always aim to provide conservative treatment to treat your neck pain. However, if non-surgical treatments do not reduce neck pain, then surgery may be recommended. We may also suggest cervical spine surgery if you have:
- Severe neck pain with nerve impingement in the neck, causing arm pain.
- Pain that has not improved with rest, activity modification, physical therapy, or injections (at least 3-6 months).
- Suffered a trauma that fractured a part of the spine, which could lead to neurological deficit.
- Having neurologic deficits (weakness, numbness, tingling from a pinched nerve).
- Cervical Myelopathy (loss of coordination, loss of dexterity of their hands, and their MRI shows severe spinal cord impingement).
Types of Neck Pain Surgery
At OrthoNeuro, we offer several treatments to address neck pain, depending on what is causing it. For a pinched nerve, we may offer one of the following treatments:
Minimally Invasive Cervical Spinal Fusion
A minimally invasive cervical fusion is also commonly referred to as an Anterior Cervical Discectomy with Fusion (ACDF). Spine specialists use it to treat chronic pain, nerve compression, and instability in the cervical spine. Spine surgery experts typically recommend this procedure when cervical spine conditions do not respond to conservative treatment options.
Minimally Invasive Laminectomy
A minimally invasive laminectomy (also known as spinal decompression) is used to relieve the pain from a pinched nerve in the spine. Your surgeon removes part of the spinal vertebrae, known as the lamina. This will create more space in the spinal canal, which will decompress the affected spinal nerve.
Spinal Cord Stimulation
A spinal cord stimulator is an implantable pain relief device used for chronic neck or back pain, as well as other neurological conditions that can cause chronic pain.
The device works by sending electrical impulses to the spinal cord that block nerve pain signals to the brain. The blocking of these pain signals from the brain is what results in pain relief. Research has proven this procedure to be safe and effective in treating chronic pain.
Recovery from Neck Surgery
Your recovery will depend on the type of surgery you had. In general, recovery from the hospital is as follows:
- Expect your surgery to be outpatient. But depending on the complexity, a hospital stay of one to two days following the surgery may be required.
- Typically, you’ll be able to walk and eat on the first day post-surgery.
- After undergoing anterior surgery, you might experience difficulty swallowing solid foods for a few weeks.
- Your surgeon may insert a drain in your neck to gather blood and fluids post-operation.
- It may be necessary for you to use a neck collar to provide support.
Following spinal fusion surgery, it takes several months before the bones fully heal and become solid. During this time, you may be limited to light activities, such as walking.
During recovery, you may need physical therapy to help restore strength and movement.
Your doctor will tell you how long you need to take off work according to your surgery. If you have a desk job, you may need to take between a few days and a few weeks off from work.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Are you ready to take the first step to alleviate your neck pain? Schedule an appointment with OrthoNeuro today to consult with our experienced specialists and explore personalized treatment options tailored to your needs.
Don’t let neck discomfort hold you back any longer. Reclaim your comfort and mobility with OrthoNeuro in Columbus, OH.
Medically reviewed by Larry T. Todd, DO
