![]() The benefits of surgery should always be weighed carefully against its risks. Both smoking and obesity have been shown to have a negative impact on spinal fusion surgery outcome. If overweight, the patient should try to lose weight. Smoking damages the structures and architecture of the spine and slows down the healing process. If the patient smokes, he or she should try to quit. Other factors include age, how long the patient has had the disorder, other medical conditions and if there has been previous cervical spine surgery. ![]() Factors that help determine the type of surgical treatment include the specifics of the disc disease and the presence or absence of pressure on the spinal cord or spinal nerve roots. This procedure may assist in strengthening and stabilizing the spine and may thereby help to alleviate severe and chronic neck pain. Various devices (like screws or plates) may be used to enhance fusion and support unstable areas of the cervical spine. Spinal fusion is an operation that creates a solid union between two or more vertebrae. In many cases, spinal fusion is performed, though in some cases, simple decompression or artificial disc replacement may be employed. Also, there are options for approaches from the front of the neck or the back of the neck. There are several different surgical procedures which can be utilized, the choice is influenced by the specifics of each case. The patient is in otherwise good health.The patient experiences difficulty with balance or walking.The patient experiences progressive neurological symptoms involving the arms and legs.The patient experiences a decrease in function due to persistent pain.Patients may be a candidate for surgery if: When conservative treatment for neck pain does not provide relief, surgery may be needed. If the patient has had any trauma and is now experiencing neck pain with weakness or numbness, urgent consultation with a neurosurgeon is recommended. If the patient is experiencing any weakness or numbness in the arms or legs, seek medical attention immediately. Conservative treatment options may continue for six to eight weeks. Occasionally, epidural steroids may be recommended. Trigger point injection, including corticosteroids, can temporarily relieve pain. Reducing physical activities or wearing a cervical collar may help provide support for the spine, reduce mobility and decrease pain and irritation. The doctor may prescribe medications to reduce the pain or inflammation and muscle relaxants to allow time for healing to occur. Although neck pain can be quite debilitating and painful, nonsurgical management can alleviate many symptoms. Determining a treatment strategy depends mainly on identifying the location and cause of the pain. Most causes of neck pain are not life threatening and resolve with time and conservative medical treatment. Pressure on a nerve can result in numbness, pain or weakness to the area in the arm the nerve supplies. This can potentially compromise the function of many important organs. Pressure on the spinal cord in the cervical region can be a serious problem, because virtually all of the nerves to the rest of the body have to pass through the neck to reach their final destination (arms, chest, abdomen, legs). Herniated discs or bone spurs may cause a narrowing of the spinal canal, or the small openings through which spinal nerve roots exit, putting pressure on spinal cord or the nerves. Sudden severe injury to the neck may also contribute to disc herniation, whiplash, blood vessel destruction, vertebral injury and in extreme cases may result in permanent paralysis. For serious neck problems, a primary care physician and often a specialist, such as a neurosurgeon, should be consulted to make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe treatment.Īge, injury, poor posture or diseases such as arthritis can lead to degeneration of the bones or joints of the cervical spine, causing disc herniation or bone spurs to form. In rare cases, it may be a sign of cancer or meningitis. Neck pain may be caused by arthritis, disc degeneration, narrowing of the spinal canal, muscle inflammation, strain or trauma.
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