Cervical disc herniation is a very common orthopedic condition that can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the neck and arms. Disc herniation can happen due to age-related wear and tear, trauma from an accident or injury, repetitive strain on muscles and joints around the neck area (such as those caused by poor posture), or a combination of all three.
Symptoms of cervical disc herniation can interfere with your life and necessitates treatment by an orthopedic doctor to reduce symptoms or improve functioning. In this article, we will discuss treatments for cervical disc herniation.
Non-Surgical Treatments for Herniated Discs
Most people with cervical disc herniations experience symptom relief from non-surgical treatments such as:
- Physical therapy exercises designed to strengthen weak muscles around the spine
- Medications like anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxants
- Lifestyle changes like avoiding activities that aggravate symptoms
- Heat and cold therapies
- Massage therapy techniques focused on reducing muscle tension in affected areas
- Acupuncture
- Spinal manipulation/adjustment performed by chiropractors intended to realign joints while restoring proper movement throughout the body
Surgery for Herniated Discs
If conservative measures fail to bring relief after several months, surgery may be recommended depending on the severity of the case. Surgery is most commonly done when there is nerve compression causing neurological deficits, such as weakness, numbness, and radiating arm pain that severely affects the patient’s quality of life,preventing them from carrying out daily activities.
Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF)
Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is one of the most successfully performed surgeries on a herniated cervical disc. Thisminimally invasive procedure involves the removal of the damaged or herniated disc between two vertebrae in the neck, then replacing it with either an artificial disc or a bone graft from elsewhere in the body to fuse the two vertebraetogether.
The goal of ACDF surgery is to reduce pain caused by nerve compression due to cervical disc herniation, while also stabilizing that part of the spine, so further damage can be prevented. During the procedure, the surgeon will make an incision on the front of the neck and remove the herniated disc that has been pressing against the nerves. Fusion is then performed after the discectomy by placing an artificial disc or bone graft in the evacuated disc space to prevent a collapse. This will facilitate the fusion of two vertebrae. Metal plates are also attached and screwed to the front of the spine for added stability.
It should be noted that recovery times vary depending on an individual patient’s health condition, but generally speaking, the recovery period lasts four to six weeks. You may need to wear a cervical brace during this time for added support to the neck. It is important that you keep a positive attitude during recovery, commit to your physical therapy regimen, and attend all checkup appointments.
Minimally invasive surgery to treat cervical disc herniation offers benefits like reduced risk of infection, along with a faster recovery time. ACDF is an outpatient procedure that requires no overnight hospital stay. It’s critical that you choose an orthopedic surgeon that has extensive experience with the procedure, as this highly advanced method requires special training and expertise to perform it properly, safely, and effectively.
If you have been diagnosed with cervical disc herniation, speak to a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon to determine the best course of action to achieve the best outcome.
Premier Orthopedic Spine Surgeon in Rochester Hills, MI
Dr. Bradley D. Ahlgren is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon with over 25 years of experience. Dr. Ahlgren is trained in the use of cutting-edge treatments for cervical disc herniation and is one of the premier providers of spine surgery and treatments in Rochester Hills, Michigan.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Ahlgren, call our office today at (248) 215-8080. You may also text or call us at (248) 840-2053, or use our online appointment request form.
