Beware Of These Spinal Challenges

While the spine works to support the entire upper body, some issues occur within this complex structure that can lead to pain. Lower back pain (LBP), for instance, is a rising epidemic, while neck pain is not something to scoff at either. Doctors often trace severe, chronic spinal pain to an underlying issue. Herniated discs, degenerated discs, arthritis, spinal stenosis, and unnatural spine movements are common concerns. If left untreated, these lead to weakness, significantly impacting the quality of life. A doctor may recommend spine surgery, for instance, an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) or a posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) procedure. These are the gold standard for addressing many of the spinal challenges mentioned.

What are your treatment options?

The long-standing history of back pain birthed several options for managing pain. For instance, doctors will recommend non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), more potent opioids, and physical therapy. These treatments often keep pain in check. Other advanced options include nerve blocks for pain relief, radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and steroid injections. These aim to provide longer-term relief and possibly diagnose the underlying cause of spinal pain. Surgery is recommended when these procedures fail.

ACDF is your surgical savior

Conditions like spinal stenosis, disc damage, and arthritis can benefit from ACDF. The surgery removes the damaged disc and places a bone graft in the new spinal segment. Metal screws and plates hold the spine in place. The ACDF surgery starts with the patient lying face up to access the discs from the anterior or front of the neck. This surgery is ideal as there is minimal damage to the muscles and tissue surrounding the disc. Over time, the bone grows over the graft, fusing to create a large, solid piece of bone. As there is no more disc or bone spurs to irritate the nerves, patients experience reduced pain and discomfort.

The power of PLIF

PLIF targets damaged discs or bone in the lower region of the spine. Unlike ACDF, the surgery is approached from a posterior position. PLIF aims to remove damaged discs or diseased bone by installing a bone graft. The adjacent vertebrae grow over the graft, like ACDF, fusing into solid bone. This stabilizes the lower spine, removing any obstructions to nerve pain. PLIF surgery also has multiple options, including minimally invasive and robotic surgery. The fusion process can take several months, with many cases going up to one year.

What's the difference?

Both ACDF and PLIF aim to address damaged discs, spinal stenosis, or arthritis causing chronic pain. The process is similar. However, ACDF targets the cervical region, and PLIF targets the lumbar area. ACDF approaches surgery from the front of the body, while PLIF targets the back of the body. Both procedures can also be minimally invasive but are chosen based on the location of the pain and the patient's overall health.

Which one is right for you?

Spinal surgery is not the first step to treat chronic back or neck pain. The medical team exhausts all options before deciding on ACDF or PLIF. Both procedures are effective at treating chronic pain. The right one will be determined with consultation with the surgeon. Factors like the severity of the condition, symptoms, and patient's health all matter. After recovery, enjoy the pain-free benefits ACDF or PLIF have to offer.