5838 Six Forks Road, Suite 100 Raleigh, NC 27609 Phone: (919) 785-3400 Fax: (919) 783-7778

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Cervical Disc Surgery

Treating Neck and Arm Pain and Weakness

One of the most common cervical spine problems is a damaged disk. A disk may be injured by a sudden movement (herniate), or it may wear out gradually (degenerate). A worn-out disk may become so flat that the vertebrae above and below it touch or slip back and forth. As disks wear out, abnormal bone growths (bone spurs) can form on the vertebrae and in the foramina, causing narrowing (stenosis).

Most cervical disk problems improve with conservative care. But many patients find their pain and weakness relieved only after cervical disk surgery. During this surgery, your doctor may be able to remove the part of the troublesome disk causing your symptoms. But surgery has its limitations - it can't remove all the effects of overuse or aging, and it does have risks. Yet, it may be the way you can take control of your neck and life again.

During surgery, your doctor may remove all or part of the disk that is causing your problem. This is called a discectomy. There may also be bone spurs pressing on the nerves or spinal cord that have to be removed also. Your cervical spine may be reached from the front (anterior approach) or the back (posterior approach) of your neck. With the anterior approach the physician may also perform a fusion in order to add stability to your neck.

Your physician will recommend which approach best fits your situation. Each patient is different and there are several factors that determine what kind of surgery the doctor feels will give you the best results. You and your surgeon will continue to work together during your recovery. Before you leave the hospital, your surgeon may schedule follow-up visits with you, so he or she can evaluate your progress, advise you about your activity level, and adjust any medications, if necessary. Sometimes your doctor may recommend follow-up tests to make sure you are healing properly.

Learn more about Lumbar disc surgery, Craniotomy for tumor and aneurysm, or Endovascular treatment of aneurysm.

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