Neck pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders. It ranked fourth highest among 291 conditions in the 2010 Global Burden of Disease. Neck spine surgery Savannah is the last resort, but it can offer relief for severe cases of neck pain. Discover different ways to manage the condition and potential treatment options.
Non-surgical options for neck pain
Neck pain is defined as pain around the neck and sometimes the limbs and lasts at least one day. The condition can cause disabilities and impact an individual’s quality of life.
There are various ways to address neck pain without resorting to surgery. A surgical procedure is usually the last option after exhausting conservative treatments.
Some of the ways to manage mild to moderate cases of neck pain may include:
- Pain medication: Your healthcare provider may suggest drugs for pain relief. The prescription may include NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs) to reduce inflammation and swelling. Muscle relaxers can address stiffness and minimize discomfort.
- Physical therapy: Physical therapy involves exercises to reduce stiffness and improve the neck’s range of motion. Physiotherapy is usually recommended for recurring cases of neck pain. Strengthening the neck’s muscles can prevent injuries and pain in the future.
- Neck braces: Neck braces or cervical collars support the neck and spine. They can minimize the strain on specific muscles in your neck. They also facilitate nerve decompression by reducing the pressure on the nerves.
When are neck and spine surgery necessary?
Your provider may recommend surgery if you have degenerative disc disease. Degenerative disc disease occurs when the spinal fluid diminishes, leading to disc deterioration. The condition may cause herniation, where the disc slips or ruptures.
A herniated disc can irritate the nerves, worsening neck pain. A surgical process reduces the pressure on the nerves in the spine. It may alleviate numbness, pain, and tingling sensations.
Neck and spine surgery is also necessary for neck pain from cervical anomalies. A spinal deformity may cause the spinal canal to narrow and encourage disc degeneration.
A surgical procedure can straighten the spine and improve its alignment. The process relieves pressure on the nerves arising from spinal canal anomalies.
Surgery can address neck pain caused by:
- Neck fractures
- Spinal stenosis
- Herniated discs
- Pinched nerve or cervical radiculopathy
Surgical procedures for neck pain
Your healthcare provider may apply various surgical techniques to alleviate severe neck pain. The surgery will depend on the affected vertebrae’s location and the cause of the pain.
There are two principal types of neck surgery.
- Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion: ACDF accesses the spine through the front of the neck. The surgeon extracts the disc to ease the pressure around the nerves and spinal cord. A bone graft replaces the disc, facilitating bone regrowth and fusion of the vertebrae.
- Posterior cervical laminectomy: Posterior cervical laminectomy surgery is performed from the rear side of the spine. It involves extracting the lamina on the upper spine. The process widens the spinal canal to address spinal stenosis symptoms.
To learn more about neck and spine injury, consult Spine Center Atlanta or book an appointment online today.