Neck injuries disrupt daily life, and they can range from minor strains to severe structural damage. Sudden trauma causes some issues, while long-term wear creates persistent discomfort for many patients. The cervical spine supports the head’s weight, and it contains nerves that signal the rest of the body. Here is more information about what patients should know about surgery for a neck injury:
Last Resort
Many medical professionals explore non-surgical options such as radiofrequency ablation or nerve blocks before suggesting an operation. Surgery becomes necessary only when conservative treatments fail to provide relief after a neck injury. Physical therapy strengthens the muscles supporting the neck, and medication often manages inflammation effectively. You typically try these methods first because they carry fewer risks than invasive procedures.
Severe nerve compression requires immediate attention in certain cases involving weakness. A surgeon evaluates your imaging results, and they determine if structural instability threatens your spinal cord. While rest helps minor injuries, serious mechanical problems often require direct intervention to prevent permanent damage. Doctors discuss surgery when the quality of life declines significantly despite your best efforts at rehabilitation.
Damaged Disc Removal
A herniated disc presses on nerves, and this pressure causes sharp, debilitating pain. Surgeons perform a discectomy to remove the damaged portion of the disc that causes the compression. The procedure relieves the pressure on the nerve root, so patients may have reduced arm pain afterward.
Surgeons sometimes replace the removed disc with an artificial one to maintain motion. This option preserves flexibility, but it fits only specific candidates who meet strict criteria. An anterior cervical discectomy and fusion remains the standard approach for many disc-related problems.
During fusion, the surgeon typically removes the disc and inserts a bone graft into the empty space. Your body heals over time, and the two vertebrae eventually grow together into a solid unit. This process stops painful movement at that specific segment, while it slightly reduces overall neck flexibility.
Advanced Fusion Procedures
Complex neck issues sometimes require stabilization of multiple levels of the cervical spine. Surgeons use metal plates and screws, which hold the vertebrae in place as the bone graft fuses. This hardware provides immediate stability, and it acts as an internal brace during the healing process.
Surgical Laminectomy
Spinal stenosis narrows the spinal canal, which puts pressure on the spinal cord itself. A laminectomy creates more space for the nerves by removing the bony arch called the lamina. This decompression allows the spinal cord to function without the constant restriction caused by bone overgrowth.
Surgeons access the spine from the back of the neck during this specific procedure. The operation targets the thickened ligaments and bone spurs that crowd the sensitive neural tissues. You generally receive general anesthesia for this surgery, and recovery times vary based on your overall health status.
This procedure primarily aims to halt the progression of neurological symptoms rather than cure neck pain.
- Numbness in hands
- Difficulty with balance
- Weakness in limbs
Symptoms may stabilize after surgery, but existing nerve damage does not always reverse completely. Patients must understand realistic outcomes, so open communication with the surgeon remains a key part of preparation.
Address a Neck Injury
Ignoring persistent neck symptoms leads to worsening conditions that become harder to treat later. Early diagnosis provides more options, and it allows you to manage the condition proactively. If pain interferes with your daily activities or sleep patterns, seek professional medical advice. Contact an orthopedic clinic today to schedule a consultation regarding your neck health.
