When Discs Break Open
For most people, there is enough cushioning in the spine to allow for pain-free movement. In some people, however, age, arthritis, or degeneration can cause this cushioning to decrease. When spinal discs dry out, thin, swell, or bulge, sometimes these discs can break open. This is also known as a herniated disc and can cause neck pain, back pain, and chronic headaches. When this pain doesn’t improve, a surgeon may recommend anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) surgery. Here’s what patients need to know before undergoing the procedure.
1. Surgery is not the first line of treatment
Surgery is an effective treatment option. However, the procedure is not the first one that doctors recommend. Some people who have herniated discs don’t even experience any pain and may not need surgery. Before opting for ACDF, physicians will usually recommend a range of less invasive treatment options. Some of these include exercise therapy, physical therapy, medications, or steroid injections.
2. Recovery will take some time
All surgeries require a period of recovery. After ACDF surgery, most people can resume some normal activities, such as driving, within a couple of weeks. Most people need up to 6 weeks to get through the first initial phase of healing. After follow-up with the surgeon, the recovery process typically involves physical therapy to restore range of motion and reduce pain. The length of recovery varies based on age, health, and other factors.
3. The procedure has high success rates
All surgery comes with some risk, but ACDF has a very high success rate. Over 93% of people who undergo the procedure experience an improvement in arm pain. As many as 83% of patients experience significant improvement in neck pain.
What to expect during surgery
During ACDF surgery, a surgeon makes a small incision in the front of the neck. The physician then removes the damaged disc and fuses 2 or more bones in the cervical spine. This fusion creates stability for the spine. Though stability is good, this procedure can sometimes reduce a person’s range of motion. A spine surgeon can help advise patients on whether the benefits of surgery outweigh the risk of a reduced range of motion.
Is ACDF right for me?
A surgeon can help assess if surgery is the right treatment option. Typically, a person is a good candidate for surgery when other treatment options have failed, and pain is interfering with daily life. ACDF surgery can be successful for people who have pain, weakness, or tingling in the arms, have neck pain, have pinched spinal nerves, and who have signs of disc damage. Speak with a surgeon to learn more about the benefits of this minimally invasive surgery.
Recent Posts
ORIF Surgery: How Can This Outpatient Procedure Help Heal Broken Bones?
Broken bones, especially those damaged in multiple places or penetrating the skin, require surgery. Outpatient ORIF surgery reduces scars, speeds up healing, and ensures better outcomes.
ACDF vs PLIF: Which Spine Surgery Is Right For Your Pain?
Spine surgery is recommended in severe cases of chronic pain that does not respond to treatment. Choose the right procedure between ACDF and PLIF.
ACL Surgery: Getting Back In The Game Stronger Than Ever
ACL surgery is a transformative surgery to repair or replace a torn anterior cruciate ligament. The right procedure and rehabilitation get athletes back into action faster.
Neurostimulator Trial: A Promising Option For Chronic Pain Relief
Addressing chronic pain can be challenging. A neurostimulator trial is an excellent option for long-term, non-surgical relief.
“All staff were wonderful.”
“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.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“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.”
“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.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“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.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“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 ”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“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 from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“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 ”
“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.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“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.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“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.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
Recent Posts
ORIF Surgery: How Can This Outpatient Procedure Help Heal Broken Bones?
Broken bones, especially those damaged in multiple places or penetrating the skin, require surgery. Outpatient ORIF surgery reduces scars, speeds up healing, and ensures better outcomes.
ACDF vs PLIF: Which Spine Surgery Is Right For Your Pain?
Spine surgery is recommended in severe cases of chronic pain that does not respond to treatment. Choose the right procedure between ACDF and PLIF.
ACL Surgery: Getting Back In The Game Stronger Than Ever
ACL surgery is a transformative surgery to repair or replace a torn anterior cruciate ligament. The right procedure and rehabilitation get athletes back into action faster.
Neurostimulator Trial: A Promising Option For Chronic Pain Relief
Addressing chronic pain can be challenging. A neurostimulator trial is an excellent option for long-term, non-surgical relief.
