Cervical spine is composed of seven vital bones which are referred to as ‘spinal vertebrae’. They are separated and held together by ligaments known as ‘discs’. These discs are stuffed with a soft gel-like substance that protects and cushions our neck. They provide range of motion to neck and keep it flexible. Any instability that results in neck or back pain is said to be a cervical spine disorder. Prevalence of cervical spine disorders in adults is increasing day-by-day. Majority of working professionals experience cervical problems like neck and radiating arm pain at some point. According to latest health survey, cervical problem affects two-third of the worldwide population. Spine or neurosurgeons usually treat the symptoms with medications and physical therapy. However, if these treatment options fail to alleviate the pain, then cervical spine surgery may prove favorable.
Are You a Candidate for Cervical Spine Surgery?
Not all patients with spinal conditions are suitable candidates for cervical spine surgery. Enlisted below are some conditions that makes you a suitable candidate for the surgery:
- Chronic Back and Neck Pain - When patients are experiencing severe back and neck pain from a prolonged period of time.
- Failed Conservative Treatments - Patients who have tried conservative treatment methods like medications and physical therapy and did not achieve pain relief.
- Poor Quality of Life - When neck or back pain has become a hurdle in living a normal life.
Patients with the following conditions may not be suitable candidates for the surgery: - Severe Infection - Patients who are suffering from severe infection are not usually considered to be suitable for undergoing cervical spine surgery.
- Underlying Medical Conditions - Patients suffering from dreadful diseases like cancer, cardiovascular problems and liver problems are required to undergo a complete medical checkup first. These illnesses may create complications during surgery. Therefore, patients should discuss these problems with spine surgeons in the beginning.
Surgical Options for Cervical Spine Disorders
The enumerated points elaborate the most common and highly effective cervical spine surgery procedures.
- Artificial Cervical Disc Replacement - Also known as ‘total disc arthroplasty’, artificial cervical disc replacement is a surgical intervention used to replace the damaged cervical disc with an artificial disc for restoring range of movement of cervical vertebrae. It prominently treats the harsh neck and arm pain that has not responded to conservative methods.
- Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion - This procedure involves removing impaired cervical disc and fusing spinal vertebrae for preserving stability and relieving agonizing pain. It alleviates pain in nerve roots and aligns the spine properly.
Depending on patient’s medical history and overall health status, neurosurgeons will decide a suitable surgery.
Risks and Complications Associated with Cervical Spine Surgery
As with any type of procedure, there are certain risks and complications involved with cervical spine surgery. Some of the most commonly observed complications following a cervical spine procedure are explained below.
- Heavy Bleeding
- Severe infection
- Neck pain
- Fever or headache
- Tingling sensation in neck
- Damage to esophagus or vocal cords
- Adverse reaction to anesthesia
- Damage to spinal cord and nerves
- Blood clots
- Poor wound healing
Patients should reach out for a prompt medical treatment if they experience these issues. These complications can be handled smoothly under the guidance of an experienced surgeon.
Major Benefits of Cervical Spine Surgery
Cervical spine surgery may help patients to get rid of neck and back pain completely. In addition to this, it provides the following benefits:
- Proper alignment of spine
- Significantly improved chronic neck and back pain
- Stabilizes spine
- Faster recovery
- Enhances mobility of spine
Cervical spine surgery cost in western countries like Australia and United Kingdom is extremely high. Whereas, patients can avail highly reliable spine surgery in India at economical prices. India offers finest spine surgeries and treatments to international patients at just a fraction of total amount which other developed nations may charge.
