Your neck facilitates several movements, which make it susceptible to stress and injuries that may result in spinal stenosis and herniated discs. When conservative approaches fail to offer relief, Casey Leong MD and the Spine Center Atlanta team swoop in with neck spine surgery to relieve your symptoms.
Signs that you need spine surgery
Once in a while, you may experience neck pain due to fatigue or poor posture. The pain and discomfort usually resolve with over-the-counter medications and rest. However, if your symptoms deteriorate, you may need medical attention. Your doctor may begin your treatment with conservative approaches such as anti-inflammatory medications, a neck brace, steroid injections, and physical therapy. But if the pain does not improve, you may need neck spine surgery.
During your appointment at Spine Center Atlanta, your doctor discusses your symptoms and completes a thorough medical exam. If you have a severe deformation, surgery may be the only way to restore fluid movement, alleviate the pain and stabilize your spine. Conditions that may demand neck spine surgery include cervical deformity, degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and cervical radiculopathy. The compassionate team at Spine Center Atlanta educates you about the type of surgery you need.
Types of neck spine surgery
Your physical exam results determine the type of surgery you require. Some of the available neck spine surgeries include:
-
Anterior cervical laminectomy
An anterior cervical laminectomy corrects a degenerated, herniated, or bulging disc in your cervical spine. Your doctor creates an incision on the front of the neck, hence the name anterior. During the procedure, the team removes the problematic disc to relieve the compression on your nerves, relieving your symptoms. Afterward, your surgeon fuses the two vertebrae to restore spinal stability and strength. The team replaces the damaged disc with a bone graft and secures the two bones with screws and rods.
-
Posterior cervical laminectomy
A posterior cervical laminectomy also relieves pressure on your cervical nerves; however, it treats spinal stenosis, a medical condition resulting in narrowing your spinal canal. In this approach, your doctor creates an incision at the back of your neck to remove the lamina. The team may also remove other structures such as bone spurs and thickened ligaments compressing the nerve. After the laminectomy, you may need fusion.
How to prepare for a neck spine surgery
Regardless of the type of surgery you are undergoing, it is vital to be aware of the do’s and the don’ts before your appointment. Your specialist at Spine Center Atlanta may instruct you to prepare for the surgery. You may need to arrange for a loved one to drive you to and from the hospital and stay with you during recovery. On the morning of your surgical procedure, wear comfortable clothing that you can easily take off. Your provider may advise you not to wear jewelry, makeup, or contact lenses. You may also need to avoid food and drinks starting at midnight on the day of your surgery.
To explore the benefits of neck spine surgery, call the Spine Center Atlanta office or book your spot online.
