Do you suffer from chronic neck pain that is affecting your daily life? Have you tried various treatments, but nothing seems to provide lasting relief? Sometimes, neck spine surgery may be the best solution to alleviate the symptoms and improve your quality of life. However, the thought of undergoing neck spine surgery Savannah can be overwhelming, and you may have many questions and concerns.
There are several types of neck spine surgeries available, including:
- Discectomy: A procedure involving removing all or parts of a damaged disc causing nerve compression or pain.
- Fusion: A procedure involving fusing two or more vertebrae together using bone grafts, metal plates, and screws. This stabilizes the spine and prevents movement between the fused vertebrae.
- Artificial disc replacement is a process that involves swapping out a damaged disc for a synthetic one. This keeps the neck’s range of motion while alleviating nerve strain.
Reasons for neck spine surgery
There are several reasons why someone may need neck-spine surgery. Here are some common conditions that may require surgical intervention:
Herniated disc
A herniated disc occurs when the soft material inside a disc in the cervical spine bulges out or ruptures, putting pressure on nearby nerves. This can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the neck, shoulder, arm, or hand. Surgery may be necessary if conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and spinal injections are ineffective. A discectomy or artificial disc replacement may be performed to remove the damaged disc and relieve the nerve compression.
Spinal stenosis
It occurs when the spinal canal becomes smaller, placing pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. Although conservative therapies like spinal injections, physical therapy, and medication may be suggested, surgery may be required if symptoms are severe or getting worse. A laminectomy or laminoplasty may improve the amount of space in the spinal canal and reduce pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
Degenerative disc disease
Degenerative disc disease occurs when the discs in the cervical spine start to deteriorate due to aging, wear and tear, or injury. This can cause stiffness, pain, and limited range of motion in the neck. If conservative treatments are not effective, surgery may be necessary. A discectomy or fusion may be performed to remove the damaged disc and stabilize the spine.
Spinal fractures
A spinal fracture may occur due to trauma, osteoporosis, or cancer. This can cause pain, deformity, or paralysis. Surgery may be required to stabilize the spine and prevent further damage. A fusion or vertebroplasty may be performed to stabilize the fractured vertebrae.
What to expect during recovery
Recovery from neck-spine surgery can vary depending on the procedure and individual circumstances. You may also need to participate in physical therapy or rehabilitation to help improve mobility, strength, and range of motion.
If you or a loved one is experiencing neck pain or other symptoms related to a spinal condition, it is advisable to speak with your doctor at Spine Center Atlanta.
