Cervical Spine Surgery For ArthritisFor some people a pain in the neck is a way to describe an irritating colleague. For persons with arthritis in the cervical spine area, a pain in the neck is a serious, debilitating condition. The cervical spine area is the section of vertebrae between the base of the skull and the top of the thoracic spinal area. To make head movements possible, the cervical spine has greater mobility than the lower thoracic and lumbar spinal areas. That's the good news. The bad news is that when normal head movements are replaced by slamming of whiplash or other traumatic injury, the result is functional limits from the injury and arthritis. As the pain increases and other treatments lack effectiveness, cervical spine surgery is the next option. Several types of surgery are used to relieve the pressure in this delicate area of the spine. Anterior Cervical Discectomy relieves the pressure on the nerves and spinal cord caused by a herniated disc or a bone spur. The surgeon reaches the spinal area from the front by making an incision in the front of the neck to relieve the compression. Anterior Cervical Discectomy with Fusion is a similar procedure with the addition on fusing two or more vertebrae. For additional strength, a metal plate implant may be used to stabilize the fusion. Posterior Cervical Discectomy reaches the spine through a small incision in the back of the neck while the patient rests on the side. Corectomy use the same frontal entry to isolate and remove parts of the damaged vetebra or herniated discs. To strengthen the area, a bone graft, metal plate or metal screws may be inserted. Removing the bone spur or ruptured disc alleviates pressure on the nerve. This also brings relief to secondary symptoms of pain that run down the arm or legs and create extreme discomfort. Whatever procedure is used, cervical spine surgery patients usually spend only a day or two in the hospital. Some patients will be required to wear a protective collar during recovery. While wearing the collar, patients cannot drive or participate in certain activities including many job functions. Other patients who had a plate implanted do not need the collar. If a bone graft from the patient's hip bone was used, there is additional healing time for the graft site. Donor bone is matched carefully however the risk of rejection or nonunion is always present. Post surgical pain and discomfort during recovery can be managed with medication, hot or cold packs, and ultrasound. Another popular option is the Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator or TENS Unit, small electrical stimulation units worn on the body for continuous relief. Surgical recovery is also supported by exercises that are individually designed for the patient by physical therapists. Regular stretching, improving posture and reducing stress on the spine support recovery with less reliance on pain medication. Patients who continue exercises and make adaptations in their work space and home environments experience the best long term success rate from cervical spinal surgery. Discover how a Thirty Five year Arthritis Suffererer cured herself in one month, without pills or diets ... Get "Arthritis Free For Life!" |