Understanding Cervical Spine Surgery

Cervical spine surgery is one of various surgeries used to relieve and treat chronic back pain, numbness and tingling in patients. A cervical spine surgery can help to relieve disc pain by removing or replacing discs and fusing the spine back together. This helps to eliminate the pain that many patients suffer from. Patients considering a cervical spine surgery should discuss the procedure, recovery and prognosis for the procedure to make an informed decision regarding their treatment.

Learn the Facts of Cervical Spine Surgery

Cervical spine surgery can involve removing a segment of bone from another area of the body and used to create a bridge between the vertebrae. This type of procedure can help the body to grow bone and relieve the pressure and pain. Doctors may also use implanted materials such as metal plates to correct the spine. Cervical spine surgery can be done in a variety of ways depending on the needs of the patient. Discs may be removed during a cervical spine surgery. The incision is made on the back or front of the neck in a cervical spine surgery.

What to Expect During Your Cervical Spine Surgery

Before a cervical spine surgery, the doctor will discuss the risks of the procedure and the type of anesthesia that is used. There is always risk with any surgery and cervical spine surgery is no exception. Anesthesia can cause problems for some patients and there is always the danger of injury during the fusion process. The doctor will go over all of the risks and their likelihood of occurring. It is important that patients understand what to expect from a cervical spine surgery before consenting to the procedure. Other treatments may be attempted before a cervical spine surgery to exhaust all options first.

Your Cervical Spine Surgery Recovery

After a cervical spine surgery, patients should expect to remain in the hospital for a few days. Patients may have to wear a cervical collar after a cervical spine surgery. This helps to keep the neck from moving and damaging the cervical area. The doctor will inform the patient when normal activities may resume after a cervical spine surgery. Patients should be prepared to have some help at home while recovering from the procedure. Restrictions will be given for lifting and getting around the house after a cervical spine surgery.

What You Should Consider Before Cervical Spine Surgery

There are a number of things that a patient should consider before a cervical spine surgery. Patients and doctors may want to explore other options before trying the surgical approach. Some patients find back pain relieved with physical therapy, but for some the only solution is a cervical spine surgery. Patients should also discuss the possible prognosis after the procedure. It is never an easy decision to have a surgical procedure and patients should carefully weigh the pros and cons of a cervical spine surgery. For some patients, a cervical spine surgery means an end to pain and suffering caused by disc problems.