What is Cervical Spine Surgery?
Cervical spine surgery is generally an elective surgery, performed to treat nerve/spinal cord impingement (decompression surgery), or an unstable spine. Both procedures may need to be performed, since decompression surgery can cause an unstable spine and create the need for a fusion to add stability. Spinal instrumentation may also aid in adding stability to the spine.
- Spinal cord impingement: compression on your spine which causes pain, weakness, or numbness in the hands, legs, or arms
- Decompression surgery: performed to relieve pain caused by pinched nerves (neural impingements)
- Spinal instrumentation: surgical procedures to implant stainless steel, titanium, or non-metallic devices into the spine
A cervical disc herniation can be removed with a procedure known as anterior cervical discectomy. During this procedure, the herniation is removed through the front of the neck in order to relieve spinal cord or nerve pressure. This will stop pain, weakness, numbness and tingling associated with these conditions.
To close the space that is left when the disc is removed, and to restore the spine to it’s original height, patients have two options:
- Artificial cervical disc replacement: a disc implanted between two vertebrae to replace a damaged disc
- Cervical fusion: a surgery that joins bones in the neck either using a bone graft
Risks of Cervical Spine Surgery
Although cervical disc surgery is generally safe, infection, excessive bleeding, and reaction to anesthesia are risks associated with this surgery. There is also possibility of damage to the nerves, spinal cord, esophagus and vocal cords. There is risk with every kind of surgery, and these complications happen rarely.
Spine Surgery in Baton Rouge and Hammond, Louisiana
If you are experiencing neck and back pain and think you may be a candidate for cervical spine surgery, request an appointment online or give Dr. Ferachi a call today!
