When Is Neck Surgery Necessary? Exploring Surgical Options for Chronic Neck Pain
Chronic neck pain is debilitating, and it can affect every aspect of your life. Whether you turn your head while driving or try to take a nap on your favorite pillow, the pain accompanies you everywhere.
For most people, the best way to get rid of neck pain is by undergoing surgery. However, that’s not necessary in every case, as some non-invasive procedures can also help relieve pain.
If you are struggling with chronic neck pain and need long-term relief, it’s crucial to choose the right treatment option. Let’s understand when neck surgery is necessary, how is neck pain treated. We’ll also explore why you should trust Alliance Orthopedics to treat your neck pain.
👉Also Read: Understanding and Managing Chronic Pain with Alliance Orthopedics
Understanding Neck Pain: It’s Not Just One Thing
Neck pain can be caused by a plethora of factors, like a muscle strain from sleeping funny, a slipped disc putting pressure on your nerves, or even just plain old wear and tear on your cervical spine.
The stiff neck symptoms also vary depending on the condition and severity of the pain. However, it’s crucial to undergo treatment, as chronic neck pain impacts your life in the following ways:
- Consistent pain in the neck can make simple movements like turning your head or looking up incredibly difficult.
- The ache and stiff neck can impact your sleep, and you may wake up feeling foggy or drained throughout the day.
- Neck stiffness and pain often travel up and can trigger tension headaches or migraines. These headaches can be debilitating and further disrupt your daily life.
- Severe pain due to muscle tension can be incredibly frustrating and lead to feelings of anxiety and depression.
Non-surgical Treatments for Chronic Neck Pain
There are several non-invasive treatments for neck pain that can help you relieve the symptoms without going under the knife. These effective treatments include:
Physical Therapy or Gentle Stretching
The treatment involves targeted exercises to strengthen the neck muscles around your neck to improve flexibility and reduce pain. Physical therapy is highly effective in the initial stages of neck pain and helps faster recovery after surgeries.
Ergonomic Adjustments
Improving your posture through chiropractic adjustments is another non-surgical way to get rid of neck pain. If the pain is due to poor posture, the healthcare providers will recommend ergonomic adjustments to alleviate strain on your neck.
Pain-relief Medications
Pain relievers and muscle relaxants can also help manage the symptoms of chronic neck pain. These are helpful if the pain is recurring and not consistent.
Bracing
A neck collar, also known as a neck brace, offers temporary support and pain relief for acute neck injuries or muscle strains. You can use them in conjunction with other treatments to get pain relief.
If you are looking for non-surgical neck pain treatments, trust Alliance Orthopedics. Book a consultation with us for a diagnosis and treatment.
When Does Neck Surgery Become Necessary?
If you have tried all non-surgical procedures, but the pain doesn’t seem to go away, you should consider neck pain surgery. Here are some signs that it’s time to go for surgery and eliminate neck pain from your life.
- If your pain persists despite trying various non-surgical treatments, it might be time to consider surgery.
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms or hands can indicate nerve compression that may require surgical intervention.
- Your MRI or CT scans show structural issues like herniated discs or bone spurs, which can support the need for surgery.
- The pain and emotional stress due to neck joints or muscle spasm has become a constant struggle that impairs your daily activities.
Types of Neck Surgeries to Prevent Neck Pain
When non-surgical treatments for chronic neck pain fail to provide relief, surgery may become necessary. The three main types of neck surgeries that are commonly performed to relieve neck pain include:
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)
ACDF is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that involves removing a damaged disc in the neck. During the procedure, the doctor removes the damaged disc from the front (anterior) of the neck.
After the damaged disc is removed, the adjacent vertebrae are fused to stabilize the spine. This procedure is typically recommended for patients who have a herniated disc or degenerative disc disease that is causing significant pain or neurological symptoms.
ACDF is especially beneficial for those experiencing pain, numbness, or weakness that radiates down the arms.
Cervical Disc Replacement
Disc replacement is an alternative to fusion surgery. In this procedure, the damaged disc is removed and replaced with an artificial disc. The treatment also involves accessing the spine through the front of the neck.
Unlike fusion, which permanently connects two vertebrae, disc replacement maintains more natural movement in the neck. Cervical disc replacement is suitable for patients with a damaged disc that is causing nerve pain or neurological symptoms but who wish to retain a greater range of motion in their neck post-surgery.
Posterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion
Patients with spinal stenosis or other conditions that cause nerve compression from the back of the neck should consider neck pain treatment. The surgery involves removing bone or soft tissues pressing on the spinal cord or spinal nerves, and alleviating pain and other symptoms.
After decompression, the affected vertebrae are fused together to provide stability to the spine. It is suitable for those who have not found relief from other treatments and are experiencing significant pain, weakness, or numbness in their neck, shoulders, or arms.
Why Choose Alliance Orthopedics for Treating Chronic Neck Pain
Treating neck pain is essential to enjoy a healthy life. Here are some reasons to count on Alliance Orthopedics to eliminate chronic pain.
Expertise in Surgical and Non-Surgical Treatments
Our specialists are proficient in various treatment options for chronic neck pain. Whether it’s through physical therapy or advanced surgical procedures, we tailor our approach to meet your specific needs.
Board-Certified Practitioners
At Alliance Orthopedics, you’ll be treated by highly skilled, board-certified practitioners proficient in their field. Our team of healthcare providers has undergone rigorous training and has extensive experience in diagnosing and treating complex neck pain conditions.
State-of-the-Art Facility
Our facilities are equipped with the latest technology and equipment, providing an optimal environment for both diagnosis and treatment. You get the best treatment experience in Our modern and comfortable facility.
👉Also Read: Preventing Text Neck: The Importance of Good Posture in Digital Age
Contact Alliance Orthopedics and Reclaim a Pain-free Life
Chronic neck pain doesn’t have to be a permanent fixture in your life. At Alliance Orthopedics, our team of experienced specialists can help you find the right treatment path to get you back to living pain-free.
Schedule a consultation with us for a comprehensive neck pain diagnosis. Our doctors and physical therapist team recommend the best treatment so that you can achieve long-lasting relief from the shooting pain.