Neck surgery is typically only recommended when more conservative treatment options have failed, and the pain significantly impacts your quality of life. Neck conditions can vary widely in severity, so it is important to consult with a spine specialist to determine if surgery is right for you. Neck spine surgery Savannah entails a variety of different procedures that can be performed to treat conditions affecting the cervical spine. Learn more about the problems that only can be cured by surgical procedures, on this website: https://www.wellnessadvice.info
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The most common reason for neck surgery is to:
- Relieve pain: Pain is the most common symptom that leads patients to seek medical care. Surgery may be an option if you have neck pain that significantly interferes with your quality of life, despite trying conservative treatments like medication, physical therapy, and epidural injections.
- Treat nerve compression: When the spaces between the vertebrae narrow, they can pressure the spinal cord and nerves. This is called cervical stenosis, which can cause pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the arms and legs. Surgery to decompress the nerves can provide relief from these symptoms.
- Treat instability: The bones and joints in your neck can be damaged by injury or degenerative disease, causing the spine to become unstable. This can lead to pain and limit your ability to move your neck. Surgery is sometimes necessary to stabilize the spine and relieve pain.
- Treat deformity: If your neck is severely deformed due to a congenital condition or injury, surgery may be needed to improve your appearance and function.
Some of the most common reasons why people opt for neck surgery include:
Herniated discs
The spine has 24 vertebrae. In between each of these vertebrae are discs. These act as cushions, and when they are healthy, they help your spine move smoothly. However, sometimes these discs can become herniated. This means the inner, gel-like substance leaks out and puts pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. This can cause pain, numbness, and weakness.
Degenerative disc disease
As we age, our discs naturally begin to break down. Over time, the discs can lose their ability to cushion the spine, leading to pain and stiffness. This is called degenerative disc disease, a common cause of neck pain.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is arthritis that occurs when the cartilage in your joints breaks down. This can cause pain and stiffness. In the neck, osteoarthritis can lead to the development of bone spurs. These are outgrowths of bone that can compress the spinal cord or nerves.
Cervical spondylosis
Cervical spondylosis is a type of osteoarthritis that affects the neck. It is a degenerative condition that often occurs with age. The cartilage in the neck begins to break down, and over time, this can lead to the development of bone spurs. These can compress the spinal cord or nerves and cause pain.
Cervical stenosis
It is a condition in which the gaps between the vertebrae in the neck become narrow. This can place strain on the spinal cord and nerves. Pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the arms and legs are some of the symptoms.
If you are experiencing neck pain and conservative treatments have not provided relief, it may be time to consult your spine specialist at Spine Center Atlanta. They can help you determine if surgery is right for you.
