Neck Pain Is No Laughing Matter

Everyone gets occasional neck pain, which lasts for a few days. However, there should be cause for concern when the pain is chronic. Over time, the pain turns to stiffness, limited range of motion (ROM), and even arm pain. These symptoms can stop patients from working and enjoying life. There are several ways to get relief, but at some point, a doctor may suggest anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).

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What causes chronic neck pain?

Doctors can usually trace temporary neck pain to a muscular issue. Chronic pain, however, is almost always spinal-related. The cervical spine consists of 7 vertebrae. Between the pairs of vertebrae are fibrous discs. These discs help with shock absorption while promoting movement and balancing the head’s weight. Chronic neck pain often happens due to disc damage. Some patients have a herniated disc, where the inner nucleus ruptures the disc’s outer wall, pressing on nearby nerves. Another reason is degenerative disc disease. The disc wears out over time, losing elasticity and reducing the disc space, causing inflammation.

Is it time for ACDF?

Cervical spine conditions that cause chronic neck pain are not inevitable. However, risk factors include age, previous injury, smoking, and overuse. A doctor will usually assess the neck using X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). From there, treatment includes pain medication, regenerative medicine, bracing, and physical therapy. These options are valuable, but if the symptoms have not improved, ACDF surgery can help. Surgery can also benefit patients with significant arm pain and weakness.

What should you expect during surgery?

ACDF aims to remove the damaged disc and insert a graft or synthetic replacement. The bones will then fuse to form a solid piece, reducing pain and stiffness. An orthopedic surgeon will access the discs from the throat. Using this route means the surgeon will avoid the spine and neck muscles. The patient will be placed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision at the throat, then gently moves the trachea and esophagus to access the spine. The damaged disc is removed, and the bone graft or artificial disc fills the space. A metal plate and screws help hold the bone in place.

Recovery and success

After surgery, the patient will need some recovery time. In some cases, the minimally invasive approach means the patient can leave the hospital the same day. The first 2 weeks require post-operative care. The patient may wear a brace to restrict movement. From there, ACDF can take a further 6 weeks of recovery, which includes physical therapy. Over several months, the bones fuse into a solid piece. On average, ACDF patients have high success and satisfaction rates, even several years after surgery.

The choice is yours

The surgeon can only recommend surgery as a treatment option. The patient must decide if ACDF surgery is the best course of action. Most cases see success with non-surgical treatment, but this can take time. If checks show significant damage, which does not respond to treatment, ACDF surgery can help.

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“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”

“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”

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“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”

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“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”

“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”

“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”

“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”

“All staff were wonderful.”

“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”

“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”

“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”

“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”

“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”

“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”

“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”

“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”

“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”

“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”

“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”

“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”

“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”

“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”

“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”

“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”

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Please contact us with any questions about your treatment at The Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery.

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