Cervical Spine Surgery

Cervical spine surgery is typically performed to treat nerve or spinal cord impingement, spinal instability, or cervical radiculopathy. Cervical radiculopathy is characterized by pain that radiates from the neck to the arms, resulting from an injury or condition that aggravates a nerve – such as a pinched nerve – in the cervical spine. 

The procedure can alleviate pain or discomfort, providing relief to patients who choose to undergo the procedure.

Cervical spinal fusion is used when multiple levels of vertebrae and discs are unhealthy. Entire discs and vertebrae may be removed, and stabilizing cages are put in their place to alleviate pain or discomfort. 

This procedure helps to stabilize the spine and reduce pain.

Negative side effects are relatively minimal in cervical spine surgeries. However, as with any procedure, there are inherent risks. Patients may want to consider the following:

• A cervical fusion will limit some ability to look straight up or down by extending or flexing the neck.
• Rotation of the head to the right or left is not affected by this surgery.
• A bone stimulator may need to be worn after surgery to assist with bone regeneration.
• Patients may experience a sore throat or difficulty swallowing immediately after the procedure.

With a fusion, a collar may need to be worn for 4-6 weeks. Many people notice an early improvement in their arm pain; however, there may be persistent neck pain or headaches until the collar is completely discontinued.

The healing process varies for each patient. Generally, postoperative pain is minimal, though it may be uncomfortable. Most patients heal within 3-6 months with professional supervision.

It is important for patients to talk to Dr. Ahuja or their physical therapist about correct posture and movements. Activity should be increased slowly every day, but patients should only do what they are comfortable with. Cervical spine surgery patients should attend their follow-up appointments and adhere to their post-operative plans.

Dr. Ahuja may choose to employ one or both cervical decompression methods in a patient’s treatment plan, especially in cases where multiple levels of vertebrae and discs are unhealthy.

Anterior Fusion

In this procedure, entire discs and vertebrae may be removed, and stabilizing cages are employed. Dr. Ahuja will also place a secured plate on the spine for further stabilization. To help regrow bone around the cage, bone collected during the surgery is placed inside the cage, stimulating regrowth during recovery. A bone stimulator may need to be worn after surgery to assist with this process.

Posterior Fusion

Posterior fusion is often done in conjunction with an anterior fusion to further stabilize the neck. In the posterior approach, compression on the spinal cord and nerves from the back is relieved by stabilizing the spine via secure rods. The bone removed during the surgery is ground up and used as a graft to help in the healing and fusion process.

Whenever any work is done in the cervical spine, fusions are usually necessary to keep the spine stable. However, if the problem is small enough, a laminotomy or foraminotomy can be performed.

Laminotomy

A laminotomy removes a portion of the lamina, which relieves pressure on the spinal cord and reduces pain.

Foraminotomy

In a foraminotomy, the openings on the sides of the spine (the foramen) are made wider so the nerves are no longer pinched.