Why is Cervical Spine Surgery needed?

The cervical spine is a critical part of the human body. It supports the head, provides flexibility for neck movements, and houses the spinal cord, which carries signals between the brain and the rest of the body. However, the cervical spine can develop issues requiring surgical intervention due to factors like aging, injury, or diseases. 

Why is Cervical Spine Surgery Sometimes Becomes A Necessity?

Cervical spine surgery is often needed when conservative treatment methods like medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes fail to alleviate a patient’s symptoms. Surgery may also be necessary to prevent further damage to the spine, reduce the risk of paralysis, or improve a patient’s quality of life. Some of the common conditions that may require cervical spine surgery include:

1. Herniated Discs

Herniated discs occur when the outer layer of a spinal disc ruptures, allowing the soft inner material to protrude and press on nearby nerves. This can cause pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the neck, shoulders, arms, and hands. If conservative treatment fails to relieve symptoms, surgery may be necessary to remove the herniated portion of the disc and decompress the affected nerve.

2. Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a condition that happens when the spinal trench limits, coming down on the spinal string and nerves. This can cause symptoms like tingling, pain, numbness, and weakness in the neck, shoulders, arms, and hands. Surgery may be needed to create more space in the spinal canal and relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.

3. Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease is a condition that occurs when the spinal discs start to wear out and lose their cushioning properties. This can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility in the neck. Surgery may be needed to replace the damaged disc with an artificial one.

4. Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis is a condition that happens when one vertebra gets awkward and onto the vertebra underneath it. This can cause spinal instability, nerve compression, and neck, shoulders, arms, and hands pain. Surgery may be needed to realign the vertebrae and stabilize the spine.

5. Trauma

Trauma to the cervical spine can cause fractures, dislocations, and other serious injuries that require surgical intervention. Surgery may be needed to realign the bones, stabilize the spine, and prevent further spinal cord and nerve damage.

6. Tumors

If a tumor grows in the cervical spine, surgery may be necessary to remove it. Adelaide Neurosurgery Centre helps to cure the tumors in the cervical spine. 

7. Infections

If any infection affects the cervical spine, surgery may be necessary to remove infected tissue and prevent the infection from spreading.

8. Abnormal curvature

In some cases, the cervical spine may develop an abnormal curvature, such as scoliosis, which can cause pain and discomfort.

Cervical spine surgery may be necessary to alleviate pain, restore mobility, and prevent further damage to the spine and nerves. However, it is typically considered a last resort after other treatments have been attempted, such as medication, physical therapy, and other non-surgical approaches.

Conclusion

Cervical spine surgery is needed when conservative treatments such as medication, physical therapy, and injections fail to alleviate symptoms of cervical spine disorders such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease. Surgery aims to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves, restore stability, and improve function and quality of life.