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).
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.
Recent Posts
Getting Pain Relief: Benefits From The Placement Of A Permanent Neurostimulator
A permanent placement of neurostimulator is effective in managing chronic pain. The device provides pain relief and improved quality of life.
Why The Best Podiatrists Recommend Rapid Tendon Repair Surgery
A tendon injury that needs surgery can take months to heal. A podiatrist-recommended rapid tendon repair can speed up the recovery timeline.
Ankle Stabilization Surgery: Can This Procedure Treat Instability While Preventing Further Injury?
People with ankle instability can fear injury. Ankle stabilization surgery is proven to secure the joint, and improve improve function.
Meniscal Repair: Can This Minimally Invasive Procedure Help Avoid Knee Replacement Surgery?
Knee replacement surgery is common for pain and stiffness. However, some patients can avoid replacement with meniscal repair.
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“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.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“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.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“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 ”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“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.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“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.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“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.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“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 friendly and the place was very clean.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
Recent Posts
Getting Pain Relief: Benefits From The Placement Of A Permanent Neurostimulator
A permanent placement of neurostimulator is effective in managing chronic pain. The device provides pain relief and improved quality of life.
Why The Best Podiatrists Recommend Rapid Tendon Repair Surgery
A tendon injury that needs surgery can take months to heal. A podiatrist-recommended rapid tendon repair can speed up the recovery timeline.
Ankle Stabilization Surgery: Can This Procedure Treat Instability While Preventing Further Injury?
People with ankle instability can fear injury. Ankle stabilization surgery is proven to secure the joint, and improve improve function.
Meniscal Repair: Can This Minimally Invasive Procedure Help Avoid Knee Replacement Surgery?
Knee replacement surgery is common for pain and stiffness. However, some patients can avoid replacement with meniscal repair.
