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Cervical Discectomy services offered in Mount Laurel, Sewell, Galloway, Wall and Vineland, NJ
A minimally invasive procedure like cervical discectomy can provide lasting relief if you suffer chronic neck pain caused by a herniated disc. It can also improve your quality of life. At Coastal Spine, with offices in Mount Laurel, Swell, Galloway, Wall Township, or Vineland New Jersey, the integrated pain management specialists regularly complete outpatient anterior cervical discectomy and fusion surgery. Call the nearest office to request a cervical discectomy consultation today, or make your appointment online.
Cervical Discectomy Q & A
What is cervical discectomy?
Cervical discectomy –– also called anterior cervical discectomy & fusion (ACDF) –– is surgery to treat a herniated or damaged intervertebral disc in your neck.
Intervertebral discs are small cushion-like pieces of tissue that support the bones (vertebrae) in your back and neck. If a disc is compressed or injured, it can bulge outward, pressuring a nerve in your neck. The pressure on the nerve causes pain, weakness, numbness, and tingling that extends into your neck, shoulders, and arms.
A cervical discectomy could provide lasting relief if you have chronic neck pain and your symptoms don’t improve with conservative treatments.
Who is a candidate for cervical discectomy?
Most neck pain caused by herniated or damaged discs improves with conservative treatments, like physical therapy and cortisone injections. But in about 10% of cases, the nerve pain continues.
Coastal Spine will recommend cervical discectomy surgery if:
- MRI or CT scans show herniated, damaged, or degenerating discs
- You have significant muscle weakness in your arms or hands
- Your arm or neck pain keeps you from work or exercise
- Your symptoms affect your mobility or independence
Without treatment, a compressed nerve can be permanently damaged.
What does cervical discectomy involve?
Cervical discectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that takes one to three hours.
Your Coastal Spine surgeon administers a general anesthetic, putting you to sleep. They then make a small incision on your neck's right or left side and remove the portion of your intervertebral disc, compressing the nerve.
Next, your surgeon inserts a cage or spacer between the vertebrae pressing on your disc. The cage holds the vertebrae in their proper positions, permanently relieving pressure on the nerve.
Last, your surgeon places a bone graft and inserts several screws, holding the spacer in position. They remove the surgical tools and close the incision.
After surgery, the bone graft fuses with your vertebrae, providing lasting pain relief.
What is recovery like after cervical discectomy?
After cervical discectomy, it’s normal to have a sore throat and a hoarse voice for several days. During your recovery, get lots of rest, drink plenty of fluids, and take medication as prescribed.
Call the nearest Coastal Spine office today to learn more about cervical discectomy, or make your appointment online.