Details of Cervical Spine Surgery

It is an effective method for fusing the cervical spine to treat cervical spinal stenosis which causes pressure and compression on the spinal cord and nerves. This is more extensive procedure where the discs, bone spurs and vertebrae are removed.

• Dull neck pain
• Neck stiffness
• Headaches
• Radicular pain
• Neurological problems
• Myelopathy
• Dysphagia

May include:

• Degenerative changes
• Formation of bone spurs 
• Herniated discs 
• Tumor 
• Deformity

May include:

• Physical examination
• Imaging tests including MRI & CT scan
• Muscle movement
• Blood tests
• Electrodiagnostic testing

During the procedure, the surgeon will make an incision in the neck to reach to spinal column and will then remove the damaged vertebra, spur or disc. and then will do a spinal fusion for spinal stability, during which the space of discs and vertebra will be filled with an implant for the strength to the spine.

Complications with the surgery:

• Nerve root damage 
• Damage to the spinal cord
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Graft dislodgment 
• Damage to the trachea/esophagus 
• Continued pain