Don’t Stick Your Neck Out For Neck Pain
Americans spend hours on computers, phones, and other repetitive activities. Neck pain is rising at alarming rates. The pain can come and go, but a deeper condition can be at play for chronic issues. Chronic pain often involves damage to the spine, and a simple neck turn can feel painful. Over time, the pain can cause more severe symptoms if left untreated. A surgical procedure called anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) can bring much-needed relief.
Check your spine
The spine starts at the neck, with 7 bones making up the cervical vertebrae. Between these bones are discs that help with shock absorption and facet joints that help with movement. These fibrous discs also prevent the bones from rubbing together or impacting nearby nerves. Due to injury or arthritis, these discs can degenerate or sometimes slip out of place. When discs slip out of place, nerve pain, stiffness, shoulder and arm pain can occur. These symptoms should prompt a doctor’s visit immediately.
Are you an ACDF candidate?
A spinal surgeon or specialist will perform both physical and imaging exams to confirm the cause of neck pain. Surgery is not the next step but rather a last resort for pain management. Doctors will recommend a combination of pain medication, steroid injections, and physical therapy. Each treatment is dependent on the patient’s health and needs. If these treatments fail and the damaged disc continues to impact the quality of life, ACDF can help.
What to expect during ACDF
Spinal surgery can be complex, but ACDF is a safe, effective procedure. First, the medical team places the patient under general anesthesia. The surgeon then makes a small incision at the anterior, or front, of the neck. The muscles and tissues are moved to one side, giving the surgeon access to the damaged spine. Next, the damaged disc and bone material are removed with surgical tools and imaging guidance. The space is then filled with a pre-prepared graft or artificial material. Before closing the incision, the surgeon secures the spine with a metal plate and screws.
Considering ACDF
Surgery can take several hours, but this minimally invasive technique means the patient can leave the same day. ACDF can take up to 12 weeks to heal for patients to return to everyday activities. However, the surrounding bone needs to grow and fuse, taking a further 12 months. Of course, with any surgery comes the possibility of complications, but ACDF has a high success rate. Chronic neck pain can severely impact the quality of life. ACDF is often a procedure that highly improves the quality of life.
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“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
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“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“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 ”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
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“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“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 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 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 concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“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.”
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