What is Cervical Spine Surgery and How Can It Bring You Back Pain Relief

The term cervical spine refers to the part of the spine that lies in the neck. Most spine issues manifest lower in the spine, especially in the lower back. Although less common, cervical spine issues have the potential to be more severe than issues in other parts of the back. Because nerves from the cervical spinal cord go to all parts of the body, severe cervical spinal issues could cause paralysis if left untreated.

Non-Surgical Treatments

Often, conditions in the cervical spine can be treated without surgery. The goal of non-surgical treatments is not to repair the underlying condition, but to reduce inflammation and improve the alignment of the spine. Together, these two steps can relieve the symptoms in many cases.

When Surgery is Necessary 

Surgery may be necessary for several reasons. If symptoms are severe, your doctor may recommend surgery as the first course of treatment. If your symptoms are getting progressively worse, and there is a risk of lasting muscle weakness or paralysis, surgery may also be recommended. For conditions such as spinal tumors with no chance of responding to surgery, surgery may be necessary. Finally, doctors may recommend surgery in cases where the condition has not responded to the non-surgical treatments which have already been used.

Surgical Treatment

Surgical treatment can be divided into two broad categories: traditional spine surgery and minimally invasive spine surgery. Traditional spine surgery requires the doctor to make a large incision on the neck. Through this incision, the doctor operates. It's often necessary for doctors to perform major procedures, like laminectomy or vertebral fusion. 

Minimally invasive cervical spine surgery is performed by making just a few small incisions along the spine. Often, this type of surgery is guided by placing a small camera, known as an endoscope, into the back. Minimally invasive surgery allows doctors to repair the problem or relieve symptoms without opening up the back, thus minimizing the risks and recovery time. Laser spine surgery is one of the most frequently used of these methods.

To schedule a consultation about whether cervical spine surgery is right for condition, please click below and enter your information or call Datta's Endoscopic Back Surgery & Pain Center at (212) 430-0312.