A surgical procedure that involves the neck seems invasive, but sometimes it might be the ideal solution for your spine issues. Sometimes medication and home remedies might not improve neck pain, and you should consult neck spine surgery Savannah doctors who can educate you on the advantages of the surgery. Although neck surgery might be the last option, it is the right solution if you are undergoing pain; the spinal pain might impact the arms and the legs. Thus, neck surgery might be necessary if the pain results from wear and tear on the shock-absorbing discs between the vertebrae. Here is why you might need neck surgery.
Reasons Your Doctor Would Suggest Neck Surgery
Your doctor will conduct a physical exam before they suggest neck surgery; they would consider checking your walking balance; trouble achieving balance might be the reason to get the procedure. Moreover, if you have issues with fine motor skills like buttoning the shirt, you would need the surgery. Pain, numbness, and tingling in the fingers and arms might be ideal for getting the procedure.
Moreover, trauma and injury might be the reason for the neck surgery. An injury that dislodges the muscles on the neck and the spine causes damage to the discs, chronic pain, and impacts fine motor skills and balance. Therefore, it is better to see a doctor soon after a traumatic injury and get the right medication.
Types of Neck Surgery Which Will Improve Your Condition
· Anterior cervical discectomy with fusing (ACDF); ACDF involves taking out the damaged discs and spurs from the front of the neck, then replacing them with another bone from your body or a donor. Then the surgeon holds these bones with a metal plate ensuring it does not pinch the nerves.
· Artificial disc replacement; the neck disc that pinches the nerves is replaced with man-make discs. The replaced discs increase motion on the back, leading to a better range of motion.
· Posterior cervical laminoforaminotomy; the surgeon opens the bony arch from the back side of the spine, making it possible to reach the damaged nerve easily; they will take out anything pinching the nerves and ensure no bones are fused.
Complications Associated With Neck Surgery
The neck surgery is invasive and will have many complications, and you may run the risk of a reaction to the anesthesia. The complications might be severe for individuals with medical issues like diabetes or older adults. You might face nerve and spinal damage and injury to the esophagus and voice cord; you may have a drain on the neck to collect the blood and fluids buildup after the operation. Moreover, the surgery might not alleviate chronic neck pain, and your doctor should gauge the chances of success and the likelihood of complications before performing the neck surgery. In most cases, you would stay in the hospital for two days after the neck surgery, and you can walk and eat after the first day.
Neck surgery is a sure bet to solve pinched or compressed nerves and chronic pain. These complications might reduce your motor skills and balance and lead to pain in the arms and neck. The doctor should only perform the surgery if they are certain that the neck surgery will lead to positive health outcomes. You can opt for neck surgery to deal with spinal issues.