Marie Brace
Neck pain impacts approximately 45% of the working-age population in the United States. While this discomfort seems quite normal, especially with aging, you should consult a doctor once it begins to impede your everyday routines. The neck is designed for mobility, yet rotating, bending, and twisting may deteriorate or injure the neck (cervical) spine. Those who have struggled with neck pain Shrewsbury understand how daunting it can be; thus, the need to explore your relief options. Typically, conservative options are enough to address mild forms of neck pain. However, if your discomfort becomes severe, you might need surgery. Read on to discover common reasons surgery might be your best solution to neck pain.
When To Consider Neck Surgery?
You might be a good candidate for neck surgery if:
1) If You Have Unsuccessfully Attempted Conservative Care Alternatives
The time a patient should consider non-surgical therapy varies according to their pain threshold and personal desire to undergo surgery. Some medical specialists advocate non-invasive treatment for 2 to 6 months, whereas others suggest physical therapy after six weeks. Whatever the case, while considering surgery, patients should measure the compromises made in their everyday lives against the benefits of pain alleviation. Occasionally, chronic or severe neck pain is only alleviated by surgery.
2) You Develop Indications of Increasing Nerve Damage
In simpler terms, you suffer progressive nerve damage or continued muscle weakness. As cervical neck surgery affects a complex and vital body region, such as the spinal cord and spine that connect to the brain, it is essential to monitor for damage.
3) The Spinal Cord Is Under Pressure
Your spine specialist could confirm strain on your spine through a CT scan, MRI, EMG testing, or Myelogram, among other tests. If several tests coincide with pain perception, your neurosurgeon will probably suggest surgery.
What Exactly Is Cervical Spine Surgery?
If you and your physician have determined that surgery is the ideal way to alleviate your neck pain, you could be curious about what the procedure entails. Based on the source of your discomfort, a range of cervical spine procedures are available.
If a problematic disc triggers your discomfort, the surgeon may perform a discectomy to eliminate the disc. Alternatively, bone spurs could also be eliminated if discomfort results from aberrant bone development. Sometimes, you might require fusion surgery to stabilize your neck. Thus, consult your spine surgeon at the Center for the Functional Restoration of the Spine about what neck surgery is right for you.
What Is The Recovery Like Following Neck Surgery
Patients who must undergo neck surgery typically have several inquiries. To begin with, ‘how long is the recovery time?’ In actuality, there is no universal recuperation schedule. Considering the sensitivity and complexity of the neck, recuperation from neck surgery could vary depending on your body, the type of procedure, and other factors. Although this recovery time might trigger anxiety in some people, so long as you adhere to your neurosurgeon’s recommendations, you will enjoy a smooth recovery.
Do not allow neck pain to take a toll on your health and life quality! If you observe one or more of the concerns highlighted above, you should consult the spine surgeons at the Center for the Functional Restoration of the Spine about neck surgery. Thanks to advanced medical technology and techniques, some surgical procedures are minimally intrusive, implying you can enjoy a quicker recovery time. Call the Edison, Shrewsbury, or Toms River, NJ office, or use the online scheduling tool to schedule an initial consultation today.
