What Is a Posterior Cervical Discectomy?
Your upper spine, more commonly known as your neck area, consists of a series of cervical vertebrae that connect your spine to your skull. These vertebrae and connected spinal roots nerves provide a significant nerve supply to your head, neck, shoulders and upper arms. Theyβre crucial to ensuring that your brain and spine can communicate clearly and keep your body doing what itβs supposed to. When these nerve structures are pinched or compressed, it can cause serious pain and also limit your hand and arm movements.
The solution to this problem? A posterior cervical discectomy. Donβt let the scientific language overwhelm you: Weβll break down β in simple terms β what this procedure entails, whoβs eligible for it and what recovery treatment looks like.
What Does a Posterior Cervical Discectomy Entail?
A posterior cervical discectomy is a surgical procedure designed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots. This goal is accomplished by removing the broken or bulging portion of the vertebral disc thatβs putting pressure on the spinal nerves and is the cause of pain. Itβs typically a minimally invasive surgery using specialized miniature surgical instruments and tiny incisions, so when itβs performed successfully, it requires only a mild recovery.
During the procedure itself, the surgeon will make a small incision on the back of the neck through which surgical instruments will be inserted and used to remove a small amount of bone pressing on the herniated disc or nerve. Once itβs decompressed, your incision will be closed using sutures, and your discectomy will be finished.
When Is It Time to Consider This Treatment Option?
If youβre experiencing any of the following symptoms, it may be time to talk to your doctor about a possible posterior cervical discectomy. While chronic pain can feel like a life sentence, with todayβs advanced medical tools and procedures, it doesnβt necessarily have to be. Reach out to a medical professional if the following symptoms sound familiar:
- Residual neck, shoulder or arm pain
- Swollen discs
- Throbbing or radiating pain in the hands, fingers or arms
- Recurrent bone damage caused by injury or conditions like arthritis
- Weakness and limited range of motion in your neck
- Diagnosed spinal disorders like degenerative disc disease or spinal stenosis
Effects of a Posterior Cervical Discectomy
A posterior cervical discectomy is often very successful at relieving pain and weakness caused by a herniated disc or compressed spinal nerve. Because of its minimally invasive nature, youβll experience a shorter surgery with less damage or effect to surrounding tissue. Youβll also likely have a shorter and simpler recovery time along with less post-op pain.
The immediate and long-term effects in successful cases include reduced pain and stiffness as well as increased arm strength and range of motion. Following the surgery, youβll be advised to follow a post-operative care routine including:
- Plenty of rest
- Pain medications and antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor
- No driving, rigorous exercise or neck-straining activities
- A soft cervical collar to protect your neck
- Physiotherapy as recommended by your doctor
Make an Appointment With Us to Learn More About a Posterior Cervical Discectomy
Alliance Orthopedics is a unique multidisciplinary practice offering exceptional care and tailored treatment plans. Weβll listen to your full story to dig deep into the cause of your pain or injury and suggest hands-on treatment, including pain management, surgery and physical therapy. If youβd like to learn more about how we can help care for your pinched or compressed nerves, schedule an appointment with Alliance Orthopedics today!