Cervical Spine

Cervical Spine Pathology: The cervical spine, or neck, is a delicate yet vital region of your spine. Conditions such as herniated discs, cervical radiculopathy, and cervical stenosis can cause discomfort and affect your daily life. Our experts employ a range of conservative treatments and, when necessary, advanced surgical interventions to alleviate pain and restore function.
Your neck, or cervical spine, is a flexible and vital part of your spine. Conditions that may affect the cervical spine include:
  • Neck Pain:
    • Common discomfort due to various factors like muscle strain or poor posture.
  • Herniated Disc:
    • Occurs when the cushion-like discs between neck bones bulge, leading to potential pain.
  • Cervical Radiculopathy:
    • Nerve irritation or pinching in the neck, causing pain or numbness that might travel down the arm.
  • Cervical Stenosis:
    • Narrowing of the space in the neck, potentially putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
  • Whiplash:
    • Strain and pain resulting from a sudden jerking motion, often seen in car accidents.
Conservative Treatments:
For conditions affecting the neck or cervical spine, conservative treatments aim to relieve pain and improve function without surgery. These may include:
  • Physical Therapy:
    • Customized exercises and stretches to strengthen neck muscles, improve flexibility, and alleviate pain.
  • Pain Medications:
    • Non-prescription or prescription medications to manage pain and inflammation, as recommended by your healthcare provider.
  • Heat and Cold Therapy:
    • Application of heat or cold packs to reduce inflammation and soothe sore muscles in the neck.
  • Neck Braces/Collars:
    • Supportive devices that limit neck movement, providing stability and promoting healing.
  • Activity Modification:
    • Guidance on ergonomic adjustments and lifestyle modifications to reduce strain on the neck.
Cervical Spine Surgical Treatments:
When conservative measures are insufficient, surgical interventions for cervical spine conditions may be considered. Common procedures include:
  • Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF):
    • Removal of a damaged disc followed by fusion of adjacent vertebrae to stabilize the spine.
  • Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement:
    • Replacement of a damaged disc with an artificial one to maintain motion in the neck.
  • Posterior Cervical Fusion:
    • Fusion of vertebrae from the back of the neck, often performed for more extensive cervical spine issues.
  • Foraminotomy:
    • Enlargement of the nerve root openings to relieve pressure on spinal nerves.
  • Laminectomy:
    • Removal of the lamina (part of the vertebra) to create more space for the spinal cord and nerves.

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